D.C. area radio station WMAL appears to be the first media outlet to acknowledge how abusive the MWAA's power really is.

If you're packin' heat on the Dulles Toll Road, then you're cruisin' for a bruisin'.

Most people probably don't know it, but it turns out it's illegal to have a weapon on the highway because it's on land owned by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. And it's not just guns -- knives and other weapons are off-limits, just like they are inside the airport terminal. [...]

Along with the Toll Road, that also includes a stretch of Route-28, from approximately US 50 to Route-606.

Keep in mind that concealed guns aren't the only thing for which you can get into trouble. MWAA can subject you to airport regulations, just like you were trying to walk through the metal detectors to board a flight. That means a sharp nail file or pen knife can get you arrested during your afternoon commute. They claim they won't abuse their power, but why give them that chance?