Arkansas Constitutional Carry
Arkansas is a state that upholds constitutional carry, allowing individuals to possess firearms without the need for a gun license in most cases. However, there are regulations and restrictions in place to ensure public safety. This article will delve into the details of Arkansas’s gun laws, covering topics such as constitutional carry, possession of firearms, places where firearms are prohibited, application for gun permits, and the requirements to obtain them.
Constitutional Carry in Arkansas
Constitutional carry allows individuals in Arkansas to openly carry firearms without a gun license, as long as they are at least eighteen years old and have not used the firearm unlawfully against another person.
Open Carry Rights
The state permits open carry for those who are at least eighteen years old, without the need for a gun license. However, some places within the state have restrictions on open carry, aligning with Weapons Laws.
Concealed Carry Rights
Unlike many other constitutional carry states, Arkansas also allows concealed carry without a gun permit for individuals who are eighteen years old or older and have no prior prohibition against firearm possession.
Transfer of Firearms to Minors
It is illegal to lend, rent, or give firearms to individuals under the age of eighteen without permission from their parents or guardians. Parents or guardians will be held responsible if a minor is found in possession of a firearm unlawfully.
Areas Where Firearms are Prohibited
While Arkansas upholds constitutional carry, there are certain places where firearms are prohibited. These locations include:
- School Premises: Firearms are prohibited on school grounds unless permitted by the school authority.
- State Highway Buildings and Transport Departments: Firearms are not allowed in state highway buildings and transport departments, excluding rest areas, parking garages, and stations.
- Prisons and Detention Facilities: Firearms are prohibited within prison facilities.
- Courtrooms: Firearms are not allowed in courtrooms and their premises.
- Legislative and Government Committee Meeting Venues: Firearms are prohibited in locations where legislative bodies or government committees gather.
- Arkansas Universities Sports Grounds: Firearms are not permitted on sports grounds in Arkansas universities.
- Police and Sheriff Offices: Firearms are not allowed in the offices of Arkansas police and sheriffs.
- State Facilities and Offices: Firearms are prohibited in any state facility or office.
- Areas Restricted for Alcohol Consumption: Firearms are not allowed in places where alcohol is strictly consumed, including beers and white wines.
- Airport Terminals: Firearms are prohibited in airport terminals unless being transported legally and unloaded.
- Religious Grounds: Firearms are not allowed on religious grounds unless permitted by the person in charge.
- Private Buildings with Gun Bans: Firearms are prohibited in buildings that have banned the possession of guns or firearms within their premises.
- Public Gatherings and Parades: Firearms are not allowed in government-approved public gatherings and parades.
- Places Where Federal Law Prohibits Firearms: Firearms are not allowed in locations where federal law prohibits their possession.
Applying for a Gun Permit in Arkansas
Concealed Carry License
To apply for a concealed carry license in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least twenty-one years old, except for members of the military who can apply at eighteen.
- Complete a state-approved firearm training course overseen by a certified instructor.
- Be a legal resident and citizen of the United States.
- Not have any physical or mental conditions that hinder firearm handling.
- Not have a felony conviction or any prohibition on possessing firearms.
- Not be a victim of drug or alcohol abuse affecting mental abilities.
- Be familiar with Arkansas concealed carry laws.
- Not have been declared mentally incapable of handling a weapon.
- Not have been associated with a mental institution voluntarily or involuntarily.
- Not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant in your name.
- Undergo CCW training from a recognized concealed carry class in Arkansas.
Enhanced Gun License
Arkansas also offers an enhanced gun license, which allows carrying firearms in restricted locations such as bars, places of worship, schools, and public areas.
Renewal Process for Gun Permits
Concealed carry licenses in Arkansas are valid for five years. After the validity period, individuals must undergo the renewal process, which includes fees, background checks, and applications. There is a late renewal fee for periods less than six months. After six months of not renewing the permit, the application process must start over.
Conclusion
Arkansas’s constitutional carry laws provide citizens with the right to openly carry firearms without a license. However, certain places prohibit the possession of firearms. For those wishing to carry concealed, a gun permit is required, and there are specific requirements to fulfill. Understanding and abiding by these laws ensures responsible firearm ownership and the safety of all residents.
FAQs;
1- Can I openly carry a firearm in Arkansas without a gun license?
Yes, you can openly carry a firearm in Arkansas without a gun license, as long as you are at least eighteen years old and have not used the firearm unlawfully against another person.
2- Can I conceal carry without a gun permit in Arkansas?
Yes, unlike many other constitutional carry states, Arkansas allows concealed carry without a gun permit for individuals who are eighteen years old or older and have no prior prohibition against firearm possession.
3- Can I lend my firearm to someone under eighteen in Arkansas?
No, it is illegal to lend, rent, or give firearms to individuals under the age of eighteen without permission from their parents or guardians.
4- Are non-residents allowed to apply for a gun permit in Arkansas?
No, non-residents cannot apply for any of the state’s concealed carry licenses. However, military members stationed in Arkansas for official duties and their spouses are eligible to apply.
5- Is constitutional carry the same in all parts of Arkansas?
Yes, constitutional carry is permitted throughout the entire state, and no local government or political subdivision can create laws that contradict state gun laws.
6- How much does it cost to get a concealed carry permit in Arkansas?
A 5-year concealed carry license in Arkansas costs $102.50 including all fees for fingerprints and background checks.
7- Can you take an online concealed carry class in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas requires an 8-10 hour in-person handgun safety training course to obtain a concealed carry license.
