Rhode Island General Laws section 11-47-8 makes it a felony to carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle without a Rhode Island concealed carry license, with limited exemptions for transport to ranges, gunsmiths, or new residences.
RIGL 11-47-8 prohibits carrying a pistol or revolver in any vehicle on a public way without a license issued under RIGL 11-47-11 or 11-47-18. Unlike many states, Rhode Island does not provide a general motorist exception allowing unlicensed transport of handguns; the firearm must either be carried by a licensee or fall within narrow statutory exemptions in RIGL 11-47-9 and 11-47-10. Long guns may be transported unloaded provided they are not concealed in a way that suggests carry intent. Because Rhode Island is effectively a may-issue or limited shall-issue state for licenses, many residents and most non-residents cannot lawfully transport handguns by car except to and from a range, gunsmith, hunting trip, or new residence with the firearm unloaded and securely stored. Officers commonly inquire about license status during traffic stops involving firearms.
Unlicensed vehicle carry of a pistol violates RIGL 11-47-8 and is a felony punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and substantial fines, plus permanent loss of firearm rights upon conviction.
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