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Q. Are there any places in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that I cannot lawfully carry a firearm?
A. Yes many……
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Posted in Gun Sense
HI mark, quick question,
Taking someone to the airport but….. NOT…. going through security.
Is it legal to walk through an airport concealed ?
thanks
L
Yes, as long as you do not try to enter a secured area, and are carrying concealed of course.
Mark,
Out of curiosity, if you are carrying all day and have to make a stop at a place where you are NOT allowed to lawfully carry in MA, are you permitted to lock your firearm in your vehicle (ie. Lock box, safe etc…) then go and conduct your business? The “not leaving your firearm unattended in the vehicle” statement is a bit vague. Thank you!
Hello JV, This info can be picked up at the state house and is in a (Synopsis) of State Laws on the Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Ma.
Transportation in a vehicle: A resident may transport a rifle or shotgun provided it is unloaded and he has at least an FID. A resident may transport a handgun only if he has a LTC. It is illegal to temporarily leave any firearm unattended in a vehicle.
I don’t see anything ‘vague’ about that wording, but if you would like to go down to your local police department to confirm this, please do. Mark-
HI mark
is it possible or legal to “borrow” a family members firearm to take to a range with out that person with you ?
thanks for your answer
Hello Lance, Yes, as long as your licensed, if it is a handgun you must have an LTC, if it is only a rifle or shotgun you must have at least an FID, but the LTC covers that also.
mass.gov’s site seems pretty clear about being able to leave a gun in the vehicle unattenuated.
From: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/firearms-reg-and-laws/frb/frequently-asked-questions.html
Q: Can I leave my gun in my car if I need to go into the store on my way home from the range or from hunting?
A: If your handgun or large capacity rifle or shotgun is transported in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, §131C (i.e. unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container) then the gun may be left unattended in the vehicle. Weapons transported in this manner will automatically be considered “stored or kept” in compliance with the safe storage requirements of §131L.
Hello Scott, This info can be picked up at the state house and is in a (Synopsis) of State Laws on the Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Ma.
Transportation in a vehicle: A resident may transport a rifle or shotgun provided it is unloaded and he has at least an FID. A resident may transport a handgun only if he has a LTC. It is illegal to temporarily leave any firearm unattended in a vehicle.
Note: This is Ma. and things can contradict in the law, I say err on the side of caution unless you want to live in a courtroom losing time from work, paying high legal fees…..that’s your choice. A guy in Plymouth was just arrested and charged with leaving a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle……if the cops are wrong he should win, eventually…..in the meantime he has lost his license, get my drift on this? You can also contact the State police and ask them, they regulate the gun laws in Ma.
Storage…. gun locked or in locked case, ammo stored separate, magazines (clips)…any rules on storage for these. Example :Do you know if loaded
magazines (clips) is acceptable if stored and locked in separate container or safe other then where firearm is kept.
I look stuff up on GOV. web sight but info is hard to find.
thanks in advanced.
Hi Lance, I took this from the Fire Marshal’s code of regulations, you can find it at Gun Sense #37. In part;
(e) Exempt quantities of small arms ammo, primers, smokeless propellants and black powder shall be stored in original containers and such containers shall be stored in a locked cabinet, closet or box when Not In Use.
Mark’s NOTE: A firearm, (or magazine) certainly is NOT considered an ‘original container’ to lock away with ammo inside it. If a loaded firearm became hot enough in a fire the gun would go off just as if you pulled the trigger yourself, a fireman’s job is dangerous enough without the added danger of inadvertently being shot. The fire Marshall understands this. So if someone tells you that you can leave a gun loaded so long as it is locked up or trigger locked at home, ask that person to point out specifically in the law where that is stated, because obviously it runs contrary to what is stated under M.G.L Chapter 148-13. Pardon the pun, but Ma. gun laws are written vaguely so that the courts can ‘burn’ you any which way they choose to interpret them.
So Beware. It is better to be pro-active and do a little more than what is thought to be required, than to take chances on being charged over misconceptions in vague law.
So i cant leave my gun locked in a safe thats locked in a compartment thats also securely tethered to the seat and with antitheft alarm?
And if the car is stolen what will you tell the police? I suggest that you call your local police and ask them if you can leave your gun(s) in your car unattended and see what they say,(better yet the State police) it is sure to clear up any confusion that you may be experiencing over the issue. Sincerely, Mark
Just found your site on google because i was looking for an answer about going into a hospital concealed.About 8 years ago i had to go into boston hospital to visit a friend.I walked in and did my visit.Very well concealed and knew it was illegal,but i do not go into boston with out carrying.Next time i went i walked in and went straight to security desk to check in my firearm.They asked why i had to bring it with me and i said,because i don’t know boston and always carry.The security guard took both my licenses and wrote down all my info.Told me to unload gun and put it in a metal contain and locked it in a locker and gave me the key.After the visit i picked up my firearm and left with out a problem.My question is,can i go to a hospital tomorrow and check my gun in to security or is it now allowed any more.Thank you in advance and love your website and joined news letter.
Hi Marty, I am glad that you like the site, I have another one coming soon. Hospitals, for the most part, do not have any policy in place to store weapons, so if your going to a hospital that you have never been to before my advice would be to make an anonymous phone call first and ask about it. Then proceed with caution.
So you can’t carry a firearm on PRIVATE school grounds even if it’s not posted you still need permission?
That is correct.
Is it legal to carry concealed in a state owned office building that doesn’t have metal detectors?
Yes if there is no sign posted.
I work as a bouncer for a bar And I always carry concealed I have a Ltc no restrictions I’d never use my firearm unless I had no other choice
just wondering if I was breaking any laws
If the owner of the bar has no policy against it or posted his property as no guns allowed, than no, you are not breaking any law.
I work as a bouncer as well. If I bring my gun to work, which I have to because I work a armed job right before and obviously not going to leave it in my car. Is it illegal to bring it even though they say not to. I understand I’ll lose my job if they find out but am I breaking any laws? Thanks Tom
Your not breaking a law Tom, your going against the owners policy of no guns in his workplace, it is his property to do as he wants. Depending on the owner you could be asked to simply leave, or he could call the police to escort you off his/her property. Either way, you would probably lose your job there.
Mark. Great info here. Question- you mentioned getting drunk while carrying. Obviously this is a no no, but if you are having a couple beers with dinner at a restaurant while carrying and are within the legal limit to drive are you breaking any laws? Just wondering if it is a zero tolerance policy, or if you are under the legal limit to drive you can carry. Thanks!
Hi Pat, You can have a couple beers and carry. It would not be wise to go out with the guys with the idea of getting smashed while carrying though. Common sense is needed, if caught intoxicated with a firearm you would lose your LTC, you would get your drivers license back loooong before you get the gun license back.
Hi mark, I work for a dpw in mass am I allowed to carry at work?
Hey Joe, Is there a policy against it? Ask your boss about that.
hi mark I work at a college on the overnight shift dangerous area and it is an open urban campus am I allowed to carry or do I need permission
Hi Carmen, on school grounds you would need specific permission. Of course they want school grounds to be ‘gun free zones’ which only means people like you and I can not legally carry a gun there, but that will never stop the mad man naturally. Gun free zones are killing fields for mad men made possible by democrat politicians living in La La land……..
thank you great site
perfect response Mark
Mark, quick question. My employer prohibits concealed carry so I know I cannot carry at work, but is it an issue if I have it locked in my car unloaded? Wouldn’t this be considered a properly stored firearm? I’m not worried about it being stolen because you need to get through a security gate and there are cameras around the entire building where I work. Thanks!
Mark, great info and thank you. To follow up on the questions regarding alcohol while carrying. Do you advise locking away the firearm in the car (unloaded of course) as a precaution after having any alcohol and intending to drive? Does it make a difference?
Hello Paul, This info can be picked up at the state house and is in a (Synopsis) of State Laws on the Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Ma.
Transportation in a vehicle: A resident may transport a rifle or shotgun provided it is unloaded and he has at least an FID. A resident may transport a handgun only if he has a LTC. It is illegal to temporarily leave any firearm unattended in a vehicle.
Note: This is Ma. and things can contradict in the law, I say err on the side of caution unless you want to live in a courtroom losing time from work, paying high legal fees…..that’s your choice. A guy in Plymouth was just arrested and charged with leaving a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle……if the cops are wrong he should win, eventually…..in the meantime he has lost his license, get my drift on this? You can also contact the State police and ask them, they regulate the gun laws in Ma.
Hello Pat, This info can be picked up at the state house and is in a (Synopsis) of State Laws on the Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Ma.
Transportation in a vehicle: A resident may transport a rifle or shotgun provided it is unloaded and he has at least an FID. A resident may transport a handgun only if he has a LTC. It is illegal to temporarily leave any firearm unattended in a vehicle.
Note: This is Ma. and things can contradict in the law, I say err on the side of caution unless you want to live in a courtroom losing time from work, paying high legal fees…..that’s your choice. A guy in Plymouth was just arrested and charged with leaving a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle……if the cops are wrong he should win, eventually…..in the meantime he has lost his license, get my drift on this? You can also contact the State police and ask them, they regulate the gun laws in Ma.
If you think you will be getting smashed with your friends, leave the gun at home.
Evening Mark.
May be a silly question but I need to go to my local PD to drop off my LTC renewal form and check, I’ll be working, and carrying, can I carry concealed in a PD station or should I go home prior to dropping off my renewal paperwork?
Go home first. Mark
So, if I am legally carrying in a vehicle, pull up to a place where no guns are allowed, do I have to “secretly” put it in my trunk? In other words, if someone were to see me doing it would that constitute open carry? Oh and I guess I would have to unload it while sitting in the car…I wonder what people walking by at that moment will think.
Thanks Mark
I don’t see the phase about it being ” illegal to leave a gun unattended” anywhere. I’m not trying to be provocative but want to make sure that I’m not missing something. I know you have stated this several times along with citing a specific law but I don’t see that wording.
This is from the ma.gov site FAQ section.
Q: Can I leave my gun in my car if I need to go into the store on my way home from the range or from hunting?
A: If your handgun or large capacity rifle or shotgun is transported in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, §131C (i.e. unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container) then the gun may be left unattended in the vehicle. Weapons transported in this manner will automatically be considered “stored or kept” in compliance with the safe storage
requirements of §131L.
I don’t like leaving it in the car but sometimes have to
Hi Jim, #32 Gun Sense is a copy of the Synopsis of firearm laws that I picked up at the State House, it contradicts the law under 131L. I don’t trust a government that puts out conflicting information, it is better to err on the side of caution. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Mark
Great site, very good information. Question even if a hospital policy is no weapons do they need to put a no gun sign up? And if they don’t what are the rules if you don’t know the policy of such places. Say if you do not have time to call ahewd.
Thanks
If there is nothing to indicate otherwise by law or by policy than you can carry, but carry it concealed,(G.S.#15). We can not read minds, if a place/establishment does not want guns inside they should post it in places where the public will readily see it.
Thanks for the website, this answered many of my questions concerning my approval of my LTC. Thanks i feel comfortable about my questions and answers concerning carrying a firearm day to day.
You are welcome Joe, glad the site is helpful. Mark
Mark, I work in the service industry so I am in and out of homes all day every day. Is it legal for me to carry inside private residences in Massachusetts?
Stephen, You are not breaking any law or private policy that I know of, unless a home has a sign on their property of no guns allowed. Your firearm is concealed and remains that way, who would know anyway. History constantly shows that anti gun policies do not protect me, you or anyone else, I protect me, and hope that I never need to use it, but will if need be. The police are the ‘clean-up’ crew, after the fact in almost all cases.
Hey Mark I am in means of buying a safe to store my future firearms. I have been looking everywhere and I cant find a clear answer as to how to store my ammunition along with my firearms. My question is…
1. Can I store my ammo and my firearm in the same safe as long as the fire arm is not loaded?
2. Can store a loaded magazine but separate from the firearm, but in the same safe?
3.Will I be breaking the law by doing this?
I just dont want to have to purchase 2 safes to store ammo and firearms separate?
Hi John, Please read #22 Gun Sense, that will have your answers.
With a LTC, can I leave the firearm in a locked glove compartment while I run into the store?
Please read Gun Sense #22 Ed.
I see a post stating that a bar is okay as long as not posted or policy. But my understanding is that MA has no legal requirement with regards to posted business signs.
Another question on schools: How about a privately owned daycare center, in which the owner is fine with you carrying when the business is not open. Context is that I sometimes do repairs at a relatives daycare center at night, while I’m out and about so I’d like to be carrying.