Carry Restrictions

Learn what Massachusetts law says about areas where carrying firearms is prohibited.

Prohibited areas

Massachusetts law prohibits the carrying of firearms in certain locations. You may not carry in locations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Airports^(1)(2)(3)
• Casinos⁴
• School property (Primary, seconday, college, university) without written authorization⁵

Additionally, Massachusetts designates certain locations as "prohibited areas"⁵. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• State, county, municipal government property
• Correctional facilities
• Within 150ft of voting or polling places

State-owned owned public land available to the public for hunting is excluded from being a "prohibited area". Additionally, a municipality may vote to exclude its administrative buildings from being a "prohibited area". You can keep your firearm properly stored in your vehicle while on the premises of a "prohibited area".

Please note that there are additional areas that may be prohibited by federal law, which include areas such as U.S. Postal Service buildings, and other federal buildings and lands.

Open carry

Massachusetts law does not make any mention of the open carrying of pistols. The open carry of pistols is allowed for persons with an LTC. Please note that Massachusetts is not a gun-friendly state, and open carrying may bring social and legal risks.

Massachusetts law prohibits the open carrying of rifles and shotguns on a public way, whether loaded or unloaded, unless it is done under certain conditions or circumstances, such as by law enforcemant or by a person lawfully engaged in hunting with a valid permit.

Carrying under the influence

It is illegal to carry a loaded firearm, either on your person or in your vehicle, while having a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, or while under the influence of certain drugs and substances, including:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Narcotics
• Depressants
• Stimulants
• Inhalants (such as fumes or vapors)

FAQ

Do I have a "duty to inform" an officer that I am carrying?

There is no "duty to inform" statute in Massachusetts, meaning you don't have to proactively disclose to an officer that you are carrying a firearm. There is also no statute that compels you to disclose that information if an officer asks. How you handle this scenario is a personal decision, but we strongly recommend against lying to an officer.

Can I carry in a bar or other establishment that serves alcohol?

Massachusetts law does not prohibit the carrying of firearms in bars or establishments that serve alcohol, provided however, you are not consuming alcohol while there.

Can I carry in a business that has a "gun free" sign?

"Gun free" signs posted by private businesses do not carry the force of law in Massachusetts. General trespassing laws may apply, however, and a private business with a gun free policy can ask you to leave, which can lead to a trespass if you don't comply. There is a possibility that your license can be revoked due to "unsuitability" in this scenario.

Can I carry a pistol with a round in the chamber?

Yes, there is no statute that prohibits this.

Citations