Michigan Open Carry: Laws, Requirements, Application & Online Training

Introduction

Michigan allows the use of firearms and other weapons, but it is essential to be aware of the state’s gun laws and their applications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Michigan’s gun laws, covering topics such as concealed carry permits, open carry laws, prohibited areas, ammunition restrictions, and hunting regulations.

Michigan Gun Law Summary

Michigan follows a shall-issue policy for concealed carry permits. To apply for a concealed carry permit, you must be at least twenty-one years old and a resident or a military member stationed in Michigan. Non-residents who wish to carry firearms in Michigan must have a license from their home state.

Firearm purchase licenses are also an option for buying firearms in Michigan. Holders of a firearm purchase license are exempt from the criminal record background check required for firearm purchases.

Is Open Carry Legal in Michigan?

Yes, open carry is legal in Michigan for individuals who are at least eighteen years old and have no state or federal prohibitions on possessing firearms. The state is considered a permissive open carry state, meaning a license is not required to openly carry firearms.

Open Carry Laws in Michigan

While open carry is generally allowed in Michigan, local areas may have regulations regarding open carry and the possession of firearms. It is essential to be aware of specific local laws in addition to state laws.

Certain firearms, such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns, are legal in Michigan if they are federally registered on an approved federal form, and the required tax is paid.

Where Is It Legal to Open Carry in Michigan?

You can open carry firearms in various areas in Michigan, including:

Restaurants and Bars: Open carry is generally permitted in the dining areas of restaurants and bars unless there are specific postings prohibiting it or if you are under the influence of alcohol.
Roadside Areas: Open carry is allowed in roadside areas.
State Forests and Parks: You can possess and open-carry firearms in state forests, parks, and wildlife management areas.

Where Is It Illegal to Open Carry in Michigan?

Michigan prohibits open carry in certain locations, including:

Schools: Firearms are not allowed on the premises of publicly or privately owned schools, including school vehicles.
Child Care Centers: Open carry is prohibited in any childcare or daycare center, whether publicly or privately owned.
Colleges and Universities: Open carry is not allowed on campuses, dormitories, and lecture rooms of colleges and universities.
Stadiums: Firearms are not permitted in stadiums or arenas used for professional sporting events.
Ventures that Sell Alcohol: Firearms are prohibited in bars and places where the sale of alcohol is a primary source of income.
Places of Worship: Open carry is not allowed in churches, mosques, or synagogues.
Event Centers: Firearms are not allowed in event facilities with a holding capacity of more than 2,500 people.
Hospitals: Open carry is not permitted in hospitals or healthcare centers.
Airports: Firearms are not allowed in secured zones of airports.
Casinos: Open carry is prohibited in state-licensed casinos.
Courthouses: Firearms are not allowed within the premises of courthouses or courtrooms during regular proceedings.
Areas Prohibited by Federal Gun Laws: Open carry is not allowed in areas restricted by federal gun laws.

Relevant Open Carry Law and Legislature in Michigan

Ammunition Restrictions

Michigan prohibits the use of armor-piercing ammunition in the state. Possession of such ammunition may lead to prosecution.

Preemption Laws

Michigan has preemption laws, which means that state law takes precedence over local regulations. However, local areas still have the authority to regulate certain aspects related to firearms.

Brandishing of Firearms

Michigan prohibits the illegal brandishing of firearms. Deliberately pointing or displaying a firearm in a dangerous manner to cause apprehension is against the law.

There is an exception to this law when brandishing a firearm lawfully or during self-defense.

Possession Under the Influence of Alcohol

Open carry while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any other controlled substance is not permitted in Michigan. Under the influence means having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.02. It also includes situations where the consumption of alcohol or controlled substances affects a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation or handle a firearm according to state statutes.

Open Carry While Hunting

Open carry is legal during hunting activities in Michigan. However, while bow hunting, individuals must conceal carry and are not permitted to use firearms for hunting.

Michigan has hunter harassment laws to protect lawful hunting activities:

Interfering with hunting activities authorized by law is prohibited.
Pursuing or disturbing wildlife or aquatic animals to interfere with legal hunting is not allowed.
Harassing or disturbing hunters engaged in legal hunting activities is against the law.
Using stimuli or devices to disrupt wildlife or aquatic animals to prevent or hinder hunting is not permitted.
Erecting barriers to prevent hunting activities (except for barriers to avoid trespassing) is not allowed.
Putting oneself in line with live fire to prevent lawful hunting activities is prohibited.
Affecting the condition or settings of wildlife property to hinder lawful hunting is against the law.
Trespassing on private or public land and water for hunting without permission is not permitted.

Conclusion

Michigan allows the use of firearms and other weapons, but it is essential to understand the state’s gun laws to ensure legal and responsible use. Whether you are considering open carry or concealed carry, knowing the laws and regulations can help you stay on the right side of the law and ensure the safety of yourself and others.

FAQs;

1- Can non-residents open carry in Michigan?

Non-residents can open carry in Michigan as long as they meet the state’s requirements and do not have any state or federal prohibitions on possessing firearms.

2- Do I need a permit to open carry in Michigan?

No, a permit is not required for open carry in Michigan except for non-residents.

3- What types of firearms are legal in Michigan?

Michigan allows the possession of machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, AOWs, and sound suppressors if they are federally registered and the required tax is paid.

4- Are there any restrictions on magazine capacity in Michigan?

No, Michigan does not have any gun statutes that limit the number of rounds in a firearm magazine.

5- Do I need a license to buy firearms in Michigan?

You can buy firearms in Michigan using either a concealed carry license or a firearm purchase license. The latter exempts you from a criminal record background check.