Michigan Local Firearms Preemption (2026)

Michigan Firearms Preemption — Statewide Uniform Rules

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Michigan firearms preemption (MCL §123.1101–123.1104) prohibits local units of government from imposing any ordinance, regulation, or policy on the purchase, registration, ownership, possession, transportation, transfer, or licensing of firearms, ammunition, or their components. The legislature occupies the field. Limited carriage of firearms inside government buildings is the principal local-authority carveout.

Full Breakdown

MCL §123.1102 provides that a local government shall not impose special taxation on, enact any ordinance pertaining to, or regulate the ownership, registration, purchase, sale, transfer, transportation, or possession of pistols, firearms, ammunition, or components, except as provided by federal or state law. MCL §123.1103 preserves a narrow carveout: local governments may regulate firearm discharge within their boundaries and restrict carriage inside their own occupied premises. CPL licensing is centralized via MCL §28.421 et seq., administered by county clerks under uniform standards. The Court of Appeals has repeatedly struck down city ordinances attempting to ban open carry in libraries and parks.

Violations & Penalties

Inconsistent local ordinances are void; municipalities have paid attorney fees under MCL §123.1104 when courts strike preempted ordinances. Individuals charged under invalid local ordinances can seek dismissal and recover costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Michigan city ban open carry of long guns in parks?

Generally no — state preemption bars local firearms regulation outside the narrow exception for the inside of occupied government buildings. Multiple Court of Appeals decisions have voided such ordinances.

Does Michigan have an assault-weapon ban?

No. Michigan has no statewide assault-weapon or magazine-capacity restriction beyond federal law, and local governments cannot enact one due to MCL §123.1102.

Where can a CPL holder be barred from carrying?

State law (MCL §28.425o) lists premises where pistol-free zones apply (schools, bars, stadiums, hospitals, etc.). Local governments cannot add their own pistol-free zones beyond regulating carry inside their occupied buildings.