Raleigh, NC Firearms: Local Firearms Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Preemption Statute
- N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40
- Pistol-Purchase Permit
- Repealed March 2023 (SB 41)
- Statewide Carry
- Open carry 18+ generally lawful; CHP required for concealed (18+)
- What Raleigh May Regulate
- Public-building carry (vehicles excepted), employee carry, general zoning
- What's Preempted
- Possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, dealers
Summary
Raleigh cannot enact local firearm ordinances. North Carolina General Statute 14-409.40 reserves to the General Assembly the regulation of firearm possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, and registration. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide.
§ 14-409.40. Statewide uniformity of local regulation.
(a) It is declared by the General Assembly that the regulation of firearms is properly an issue of general, statewide concern, and that the entire field of regulation of firearms is preempted from regulation by local governments except as provided by this section. [...]
(b) Unless otherwise permitted by statute, no county or municipality, by ordinance, resolution, or other enactment, shall regulate in any manner the possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture, transportation, or registration of firearms, firearms ammunition, components of firearms, dealers in firearms, or dealers in handgun components or parts.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a county or municipality, by zoning or other ordinance, may regulate or prohibit the sale of firearms at a location only if there is a lawful, general, similar regulation or prohibition of commercial activities at that location. [...]
(f) Nothing contained in this section prohibits municipalities or counties from application of their authority under G.S. 153A-129, 160A-189, 14-269, 14-269.2, 14-269.3, 14-269.4, 14-277.2, 14-415.11, 14-415.23, including prohibiting the possession of firearms in public-owned buildings, on the grounds or parking areas of those buildings, or in public parks or recreation areas, except nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a person from storing a firearm within a motor vehicle while the vehicle is on these grounds or areas.
Full Breakdown
Under N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40, no North Carolina county or municipality, Raleigh included, may enact ordinances 'concerning the regulation of the possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, or registration of firearms, firearms ammunition, components of firearms, dealers in firearms, or dealers in handgun components or parts.' Raleigh retains a narrow set of remaining powers: regulating firearm possession by its own employees during work, prohibiting firearms in public buildings and on their grounds (vehicles excepted), and applying generally applicable zoning to firearm dealers as long as the rules are no stricter than for similar businesses. SB 41 (2023) repealed North Carolina's pistol-purchase-permit law effective March 29, 2023; the federal NICS check at licensed dealers and the state Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for concealed carry still apply.
Violations & Fines
Any Raleigh ordinance conflicting with N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40 is void. A person affected may seek declaratory and injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Raleigh ban handguns or assault weapons?
What firearm rules apply in Raleigh?
Are there any local firearm restrictions in Raleigh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina firearms overview
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