Gun laws in the US vary from one state to another, and you should know them properly to avoid legal complications. Whether you are a resident of North Carolina or a visitor driving through, you need to follow the rules while carrying a gun or firearms in your car. This is because the gun laws in North Carolina in car are specific, and violating them even by accident can lead to fines, criminal charges, and severe consequences. Therefore, you need to understand the NC gun laws that help you ensure protection from potential threats.
Why should you know gun laws in North Carolina in car?
North Carolina allows you to have a gun in your car. On the other hand, you need to be aware of the gun laws in North Carolina in car before carrying a gun or firearms. You should know how to keep your gun in your car with attention. Furthermore, you should gather details on where you can take your vehicle with the firearm inside.
Knowing North Carolina laws allows you to transport a firearm legally in your car to minimize legal issues. You can even avoid risks while driving your car on the roads. Apart from that, they let you protect your rights.
What are North Carolina gun laws in car?
North Carolina provides the right to own a firearm, and you must follow the laws. If you own a gun, then you should ensure that you comply with the laws. You should understand the rules and regulations of North Carolina gun laws in car from different sources.
Here are some gun ownership laws followed in North Carolina.
- Individuals must generally be at least 18 years old to possess a firearm under North Carolina law.
- Open carry of firearms is legal, but you need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in your car, with some restrictions.
- You must undergo a background check when buying a firearm from a licensed dealer.
- A convicted felon is not allowed to own a firearm under federal law.
- Improper firearm handling or transportation could lead to legal consequences.
Key changes in North Carolina gun in car laws in 2023
In 2023, some changes were made in North Carolina gun in car laws, and you must know them.
- You can buy handguns without the permit issued by the county sheriff, provided you pass a federal background check.
- You need to provide additional information that you don’t have disqualifying criminal records, while buying a firearm.
- Your family members or law enforcement can file a petition for the removal of firearms from individuals who might pose a danger to themselves or others.
- You must meet new training requirements if you seek a concealed permit.
Can I carry a gun in my car in North Carolina?
When asking yourself, “Can I carry a gun in my car in North Carolina?” you should educate yourself about the laws. You can carry a gun legally if you are 18 and don’t have any felony convictions. Firearm laws in North Carolina involve some restrictions, and you shouldn’t violate them. Moreover, you should know what open carry and concealed carry are to know the differences between them.
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry: A side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Open carry | Concealed carry |
| Draw speed | Faster access | Slower access |
| Comfort | More comfortable in cold weather or short outings | Easier to manage during long hours or in crowds |
| Firearm Size | Full-size preferred | Best with compacts |
| Deterrence | May deter threats due to visible firearm | Maintains tactical surprise |
| Target Risk | May attract attackers seeking to disarm | Less likely to be singled out |
| Training required | Basic proficiency | Higher |
Understand North Carolina Concealed Carry in a Car
What is North Carolina concealed carry in a car? It means the possession of a firearm in public in a way that is not visible to others. If you keep your firearm in hidden places in your car, it comes under a concealed weapon. Unless you have a concealed permit, you are not allowed to conceal your firearm.
You should meet the following law requirements when you apply for a concealed permit.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien
- Lived in North Carolina for at least 30 days
- Completed a minimum of eight-hour training course
- You haven’t been convicted of a felony or other specific crimes within three years prior to the application date
- Not having a mental or physical disability that prevents safe handling of a firearm
- Filing the application in the county of residence
How to Legally Carry a Gun in Your Car in North Carolina?
You can legally carry a gun in your car in North Carolina by displaying the gun openly so that it is visible. You can legally drive with a gun in your car’s trunk, regardless of whether you hold a concealed weapon permit. You should ensure that you lock your concealed weapon, which is inaccessible, inside the vehicle. You must store your weapon securely in a container if your vehicle, such as a van or SUV, provides access to the trunk.
Traffic Stops and Firearms in North Carolina
The law enforcement authorities are very strict in North Carolina, and you have to answer properly at traffic stops. The gun laws in North Carolina in car allows open carry, and In certain circumstances, such as when carrying under a concealed handgun permit, individuals may be required to inform the officer. Moreover, you have to present the necessary documents and show them the weapon’s location if you have a concealed permit. You must also provide your driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and insurance copy if needed. You shouldn’t touch the gun until the officers ask to do so.
When are North Carolina gun laws in cars violated?
You should know the violations of North Carolina gun laws because the state prohibits the use of firearms in some places. You shouldn’t carry your gun to schools, government buildings, courthouses, and venues serving alcohol. Furthermore, you are not allowed to use guns in places that display visible no-firearm signage.
Here are some cases that come under the violation of laws.
- Leaving a gun on the dashboard or seat
- Transporting a concealed firearm without a permit
- If the gun is not stored securely in a locked compartment such as the glove box, center console, or trunk
- Invisibility of firearms to others
- Carrying a loaded handgun on your body inside the car without a permit
- Not storing the firearm properly
- If you are a minor
- If you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- You are subject to certain court orders
- Fugitive charges
Common Misconceptions about North Carolina Gun Laws
- Myth: You should unload your firearm and lock it away in your car if you don’t have a concealed carry permit
- Fact: North Carolina does not universally require unloading a firearm in a vehicle, but improper handling or unsafe storage can lead to legal consequences.
- Myth: You can keep firearms in hidden places in your car.
- Fact: Concealment rules vary depending on eligibility and circumstances, and certain individuals are prohibited from carrying firearms altogether.
- Myth: A background check is not required when buying a firearm from a licensed dealer.
- Fact: Federal law requires a background check for purchases from federally licensed firearm dealers.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Gun-Related Traffic Violations in North Carolina?
Are you a new resident or already a resident of North Carolina? Then, you should follow the gun laws in North Carolina in car because they are very complicated. If you carry a concealed handgun in NC without a valid permit, you have to face a class 2 misdemeanor charge.
Illegal possession of firearms and gun-related traffic violations in North Carolina can lead to felony convictions, imprisonment, heavy fines, a ban on firearm possession, etc. Therefore, you should seek guidelines from a gun lawyer. An experienced gun lawyer who knows North Carolina can help you protect your rights.
You can restore your firearm possession rights with the lawyer by resolving complex matters in your case. Furthermore, you can gain more insights into gun laws with a lawyer who lets you transport your firearm legally in North Carolina state and defend your case with strong arguments.
Conclusion
North Carolina enables you to carry firearms in your vehicles. On the other hand, you should focus on gathering gun laws in North Carolina in car to safeguard your rights. If you don’t follow the laws properly, you will encounter severe consequences. Although you have the right to carry your firearm openly in your car, you need to obtain a permit for concealed carry in North Carolina.
FAQs
1. Can you keep a gun in your car in North Carolina?
Ans: Yes. You can keep a gun in your car in North Carolina, as per the laws. On the other hand, you should know the restrictions while carrying a firearm.
2. Do you need a permit for concealed carry in your car?
Ans: You need a permit for concealed carry in your car, and you should store your firearms safely to avoid legal consequences.
3. Where are firearms prohibited in North Carolina?
Ans: North Carolina gun laws prohibit the use of firearms in schools, government buildings, courthouses, and venues serving alcohol.
5. What are the violations of gun laws in North Carolina?
Ans: Transporting a concealed carry without a permit is a violation of gun laws. Not storing the firearm properly in your car will lead to fines and other legal problems.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently. Consult the North Carolina Department of Public Safety or a licensed North Carolina attorney for current guidance.
