What are the Gun Laws in North Carolina 2023?
As of 2023, North Carolina has strict gun laws that are enforced by the North Carolina Department of Justice, the State Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement agencies. Gun owners and potential gun buyers need to be aware of the regulations to avoid any legal repercussions. Here is a breakdown of the gun laws in North Carolina in 2023:
Contents
Gun Ownership
- To own a firearm in North Carolina, individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess a long gun
- Be at least 21 years old to purchase or possess a handgun
- Not have a pending charge or have been convicted of a felony or other certain crimes
- Not have been committed to a mental institution or deemed mentally incompetent by a court
Gun Registration
- North Carolina is a permitless carry state for residents, which means they can carry concealed or open-carry without a permit, as long as they follow the gun laws mentioned above.
- However, out-of-state residents need a permit to carry concealed.
- Registration is not required for guns purchased privately or inherited from family members.
- Licensed dealers are required to keep records of all gun sales for a certain period, typically five to ten years.
Gun Safety Measures
- Background checks: ALL gun sales are subject to background checks in North Carolina. Private sales must include a check, even between family members or acquaintances.
- Child Access Prevention (CAP) Law: Parental or custodial responsibilities may be denied or restricted if the individual is negligent or willful in the discharge or safety of firearms within reach of children under the age of 18.
Carrying a Gun in North Carolina
- Concealed carry:
- Must have a valid permit (even if an NC resident), issued by the North Carolina Department of Justice or other qualified agency
- Some businesses, public areas, or events may be "no-carry zones" by posting explicit signs or posting a conspicuous sign on an area
- Not permitted in state-owned hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities
- Restrictions apply on government facilities and courthouses
- Open carry: Not required to carry with a permit, but individuals are subject to normal traffic and parking laws, as well as any concealed carry regulations that apply.
- Guns allowed in motor vehicles:
- Not subject to normal concealed carry laws (transportation within vehicles), except for convicted felons
Limits on Gun Use and Sales>Permit-Required Zones (PRZs)
* Public gatherings with over 5,000 attendees
* Areas immediately around schools and schools districts (500 yards from grounds and buildings)
* Parades, funerals, or other assemblies that allow pedestrians
* Events, shows, and competitions requiring gun permits or have prior permits
Laws on Semi-Automatic Rifles
* The SAFE Gun Storage Law of 2009, requiring licensed gun dealers to include secure locking devices on each sold long gun or firearm; prohibits the transfer or delivery of a gun that’s not properly stored
State Constitutional Gun Provisions
* North Carolina State Constitution, Article 1, Section 30 states, “The people shall have the right to keep and bear arms for the defence (sic) of self and the State”
**GUN OWNERS’ OBLIGATIONS IN NC**
• Register handguns if purchased privately (or after 12/1/2018 for those buying from a dealer)
• Report a stolen firearm
• Safeguard stored weapons to avoid child access (CAP)
• Avoid firearms in ‘No-Gun Zones’
Court Process for Gun Charges>
**GUN CRIMES PUNISHMENT AND FINES**
* Misrepresentation on application or to secure a concealed carry permit
+ **First Offense:** 15-day to 1-year prison sentence; fines between $200 to $500
+ **Subsequent Offense:** 60-day to 3-year prison sentence; fines between $300 to $750
* Convictions or pending charges, in relation to felonies
+ **Inmate, 12-month revocation of civil rights** after sentence or supervision expires
**Resources and Useful Contacts**
* North Carolina Department of Justice: **https://doj.nc.gov/cjis**
* State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Firearms Identification and Investigations Division: **https://sbi.ncdoi.gov/cjis-firi/**
* North Carolina State Constables Association (SCA) for firearms safety: **https://ncconstables.org/scapgunssafety.htm**
To comply with gun laws in North Carolina 2023, it’s crucial for residents and potential buyers to remain informed and adhere to these regulations to avoid any legal issues or fines. Consult the NC Department of Justice, local authorities, and licensed gun dealers to address any specific concerns.
Keep in mind that federal and state gun laws change; it is always the best practice to review these changes and remain compliant.
Stay safe and legal when carrying or owning firearms in the Tar Heel State.
Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories
* Areas immediately around schools and schools districts (500 yards from grounds and buildings)
* Parades, funerals, or other assemblies that allow pedestrians
* Events, shows, and competitions requiring gun permits or have prior permits
• Report a stolen firearm
• Safeguard stored weapons to avoid child access (CAP)
• Avoid firearms in ‘No-Gun Zones’
+ **First Offense:** 15-day to 1-year prison sentence; fines between $200 to $500
+ **Subsequent Offense:** 60-day to 3-year prison sentence; fines between $300 to $750
* Convictions or pending charges, in relation to felonies
+ **Inmate, 12-month revocation of civil rights** after sentence or supervision expires
* State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Firearms Identification and Investigations Division: **https://sbi.ncdoi.gov/cjis-firi/**
* North Carolina State Constables Association (SCA) for firearms safety: **https://ncconstables.org/scapgunssafety.htm**
