North Carolina Gun Laws

North Carolina Gun Laws

North Carolina is known for its relatively unrestrictive approach to gun laws and operates on a “Shall Issue” basis for concealed carry permits. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of North Carolina’s concealed carry laws, including who is eligible to carry, where carry is allowed, and the state’s reciprocity agreements with other states.

Constitutional Carry in North Carolina

North Carolina is not considered a constitutional carry state, meaning individuals must obtain a concealed carry permit to legally carry a concealed handgun.

Open Carry in North Carolina

Open carry is permitted in North Carolina without a license or permit for individuals who are 18 years or older and legally allowed to own a firearm. However, it’s important to note that some counties in North Carolina may regulate open carry within their borders, restricting it in certain public areas like sidewalks, public roads, or public buildings.

Concealed Carry in Vehicles

North Carolina allows concealed carry within a vehicle if the individual possesses a valid North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Without a CHP, individuals can only carry a handgun openly in their vehicle or keep it in a locked container away from their person, excluding the glove box.

Concealed Carry in State Parks

With a valid North Carolina CHP, individuals are allowed to carry concealed handguns in state parks. However, it’s important to note that firearms are prohibited in visitor centers, and any land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also restricts firearms possession.

Concealed Carry in Restaurants

North Carolina allows concealed carry within restaurants for individuals with a CHP, as long as they do not consume any alcohol whatsoever.

Enforcement of No Weapons Signs

North Carolina recognizes “No Weapons” signs as having the force of law. Individuals are prohibited from concealed carry in establishments displaying such signs.

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement

North Carolina has a duty to inform law enforcement language in its statutes. Individuals with a concealed carry permit must notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when approached on official business.

See also  North Carolina Constitutional Carry

North Carolina CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW Permits from North Carolina

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California (Restricted Reciprocity)
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii (Restricted Reciprocity)
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois (Restricted Reciprocity)
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland (Restricted Reciprocity)
  21. Massachusetts (Restricted Reciprocity)
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota (Restricted Reciprocity)
  24. Mississippi
  25. Missouri
  26. Montana
  27. Nebraska
  28. Nevada
  29. New Hampshire
  30. New Jersey (Restricted Reciprocity)
  31. New Mexico
  32. New York (Restricted Reciprocity)
  33. North Dakota
  34. Ohio
  35. Oklahoma
  36. Oregon (Restricted Reciprocity)
  37. Pennsylvania
  38. Rhode Island (Restricted Reciprocity)
  39. South Carolina
  40. South Dakota
  41. Tennessee
  42. Texas
  43. Utah
  44. Vermont
  45. Virginia
  46. Washington
  47. Washington D.C (Restricted Reciprocity)
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming

States Not Honoring CCW Permits from North Carolina

  1. California
  2. Connecticut
  3. Hawaii
  4. Illinois
  5. Maryland
  6. Massachusetts
  7. Minnesota
  8. New Jersey
  9. New York
  10. Oregon
  11. Rhode Island
  12. Washington D.C

How Reciprocity Works in North Carolina

North Carolina honors concealed carry permits issued by any other state. There are 38 states that recognize a North Carolina permit, with six of those states honoring only the residential permit.

Reciprocity Agreements in North Carolina

North Carolina has signed reciprocity agreements with 36 other states. For an official list of these states, you can visit the Attorney General’s website.

Where Is CCW Allowed in North Carolina?

Places Allowed

  1. State parks
  2. State and national forests
  3. Roadside rest areas
  4. Vehicle
  5. Parade (with permit)
  6. Funeral (with permit)
  7. School campus (with permit, must remain locked in the vehicle, cannot be carried on school grounds)
  8. All areas of the state except those listed as Off-Limits

Places Not Allowed

  1. Law enforcement office or facility
  2. Detention or correctional facility
  3. Building housing state offices
  4. Any public or private school building or bus, campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic fields, or other property used or owned by an educational institution
  5. Schools, public or private, all levels, including universities (gun can remain locked in the vehicle with a permit)
  6. Any places of assemblies such as a picket line, demonstration, parade, or funeral procession (parade or funeral carry is allowed with a permit)
  7. Any private premises where carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited
  8. State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Western Residence of the Governor, or on the grounds of any of these buildings
  9. Any place where alcohol beverages are consumed or sold (applies to restaurants if posted)
  10. Any person consuming alcohol or under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol
  11. Any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by Federal Law
See also  North Carolina Hunting

North Carolina Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit or license. However, certain places are designated as Off-Limit areas, and local governments may place limited restrictions on open carry in specific locations.

Carry in Vehicle

A person without a CCW permit can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle if it is not concealed and visible, and they have no felony convictions. The current definition of concealed is if the handgun cannot be readily seen by a person approaching and the gun is readily accessible. A handgun under the front seat or in an unlocked glove box or console is illegal. A handgun openly displayed or in a locked glove box, locked console, or in the trunk is lawful. If you have a permit from North Carolina, you may carry a loaded concealed handgun within a vehicle.

Carry in State Parks

It is legal to carry concealed handguns in North Carolina state parks with a valid concealed carry permit.

Carry in Restaurants

Carrying a concealed handgun is allowed in restaurants as long as the establishment is not posted with a “No Weapons” sign.

Constitutional Carry

North Carolina does not have constitutional carry legislation in place.

No Weapons Signs Enforced

North Carolina law enforces “No Weapons” signs, and individuals may face legal penalties for entering private properties or businesses displaying such signs.

Must Notify Officer

North Carolina gun laws require individuals to inform law enforcement officers when approached on official business that they are carrying a concealed handgun. Carry permit holders are also required to carry their permit at all times while in possession of a concealed handgun.

See also  North Carolina Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW)

Conclusion

North Carolina’s concealed carry laws follow a “Shall Issue” approach, allowing residents who meet certain criteria to obtain a concealed carry permit. While open carry is generally permitted, it’s essential to be aware of Off-Limit areas and local regulations. Additionally, North Carolina has reciprocal agreements with many states, enabling concealed carry permit holders to carry in other states and vice versa. Staying informed about the state’s gun laws and adhering to them responsibly is crucial for maintaining a safe and lawful environment.

FAQs

Q: How do I obtain a concealed carry permit in North Carolina?

A: To obtain a concealed carry permit in North Carolina, you must be a resident of the state, 21 years of age, and have completed a firearms training course. Military personnel posted in the state may have exceptions.

Q: Can I carry a concealed handgun within a vehicle in North Carolina without a permit?

A: Without a concealed handgun permit, individuals can only carry a handgun openly in their vehicle or keep it in a locked container away from their person, excluding the glove box.

Q: Does North Carolina have constitutional carry?

A: No, North Carolina does not have constitutional carry legislation. A concealed carry permit is required to carry a concealed handgun.

Q: Are there places where carrying a concealed handgun is not allowed in North Carolina?

A: Yes, there are places where carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited, such as schools, government buildings, places of assembly, and private properties with “No Weapons” signs.

Q: Does North Carolina have reciprocity agreements with other states?

A: Yes, North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 36 other states, allowing concealed carry permit holders from those states to carry in North Carolina, and vice versa.

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