North Dakota Gun Laws
Overview of North Dakota Gun Laws
North Dakota is known for its lenient approach to concealed carry, making it an attractive state for gun owners. It operates as a “Shall Issue” state, meaning that if you meet the requirements, you shall be issued a concealed carry permit. There are two types of permits in North Dakota – Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 permits are for in-state carrying, while Class 2 permits allow for travel outside the state.
The application process for obtaining a concealed carry permit in North Dakota involves submitting an application to the local sheriff’s office, which is then processed by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Additionally, applicants must pass a written test and complete a firearms course.
Constitutional Carry in North Dakota
As of April 12, 2023, North Dakota has passed a new regulation, allowing non-residents to carry concealed firearms under permitless carry laws. This means that even without a concealed carry permit, individuals can legally carry concealed firearms in the state.
Furthermore, the 30-day requirement for IDs has been abolished as part of this new regulation, making it even more accessible for non-residents to carry concealed weapons in North Dakota. This new law is set to become effective on August 1, 2023.
Where Can You Carry in North Dakota?
State Parks and National Forests
North Dakota allows residents to carry concealed firearms in state parks and national forests without the need for a permit. However, non-residents must possess a valid permit from a recognized state.
Roadside Rest Areas
Carrying concealed firearms is permitted at roadside rest areas for North Dakota residents without a permit. Non-residents, again, must have a valid permit from a recognized state.
In Vehicles
North Dakota allows residents to carry concealed firearms within their vehicles without a permit, as long as they possess a valid photo ID issued within the past 30 days and are legally allowed to own a handgun. For non-residents, carrying concealed firearms in vehicles is allowed if they have a valid permit from their home state, and North Dakota has a reciprocal relationship with that state.
Restaurants
Residents of North Dakota can carry concealed firearms in restaurants without a permit, thanks to the permitless carry code. However, non-residents can only carry concealed firearms in restaurants if they possess a valid permit from a reciprocal state. It’s important to note that concealed carry is not allowed in the bar area of a restaurant.
Places Where Carrying is Prohibited
While North Dakota generally allows concealed carry in many places, there are certain locations where carrying firearms is prohibited. These include:
- Public school grounds comprising K-12 grades
- School buses used for K-12 grades
- Demonstrations in public places
- University of Alabama buildings
- Highways patrol stations, sheriff’s offices, and police stations
- Facilities providing inpatient or custodial care for those with psychiatric, mental, or emotional disorders
- Courthouses or courthouse annexes
- Prisons, jails, halfway houses, community corrections facilities, or other detention facilities
- Buildings housing a District Attorney’s office
- Buildings where a county commission or city council is having a meeting
- Any place prohibited by Federal Law
Concealed Carry Reciprocity in North Dakota
One of the significant advantages for concealed carry permit holders in North Dakota is reciprocity with other states. This means that if you have a valid concealed carry permit issued by another U.S. state that has a reciprocal agreement with North Dakota, you can legally carry your firearm in North Dakota.
However, it’s important to note that some states have restricted reciprocity with North Dakota, meaning that there are specific limitations or conditions when carrying in those states. For example, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. have restricted reciprocity with North Dakota.
Must-Know Facts about North Dakota Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: North Dakota allows open carry for individuals with a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) or residents with a license or permit from a reciprocal state. The law also permits any individual to carry unloaded firearms, including handguns.
- Constitutional Carry Effective August 1, 2023: Non-residents will be able to carry concealed firearms without a permit, thanks to the new regulation that takes effect on August 1, 2023.
- Carrying in Vehicles: North Dakota allows residents to carry concealed firearms within vehicles without a permit, provided they have a valid photo ID issued within the past 30 days and are legally allowed to own a handgun. Non-residents must have a valid permit from their home state with a reciprocal relationship with North Dakota.
- Carry in State Parks: Residents can carry concealed firearms in state parks without a permit. Non-residents, however, must possess a valid permit from a recognized state.
- Carry in Restaurants: Residents can carry concealed firearms in restaurants under the permitless carry code. Non-residents must have a valid permit from a reciprocal state, but they cannot conceal carry into a bar or bar section within a restaurant.
- No Weapon Signs: North Dakota does not have a specific code giving “No Weapons” signs the force of law.
- Duty to Inform Law Enforcement: Residents with a concealed carry permit do not need to inform a law enforcement officer about carrying concealed firearms. However, individuals carrying concealed without a permit must inform law enforcement upon first interaction.
Conclusion
North Dakota’s concealed carry laws provide flexibility and accessibility for residents and non-residents alike. With its recent constitutional carry laws coming into effect soon, it’s becoming even more welcoming for responsible gun owners.
If you plan to carry concealed in North Dakota, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the state’s specific laws and reciprocity agreements with other states to ensure compliance.
FAQs;
Q1. How can I obtain a concealed carry permit in North Dakota?
To obtain a concealed carry permit in North Dakota, you need to apply through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation after submitting your application to the local sheriff’s office. Additionally, you must pass a written test and firearms course.
Q2. Can non-residents carry concealed firearms in North Dakota?
Yes, non-residents can carry concealed firearms in North Dakota without a permit, thanks to the permitless carry laws that became effective on August 1, 2023.
Q3. Which states have restricted reciprocity with North Dakota?
States like California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. have restricted reciprocity with North Dakota.
Q4. Can I carry concealed in state parks without a permit?
Yes, residents can carry concealed firearms in state parks without a permit. However, non-residents must possess a valid permit from a recognized state.
Q5. Do I need to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed?
Residents with a concealed carry permit in North Dakota do not need to inform law enforcement. However, individuals carrying concealed without a permit must inform law enforcement upon first interaction.
