Mississippi Statewide Rule
Mississippi Vehicle Carry and Permitless Statute
Key Facts
- Authority
- Codified at Miss. Code Section 45-9-101
- Permit
- Vehicle carry allowed without a permit
- Permit
- DPS issues standard and enhanced permits
- Vehicle
- Local vehicle-carry rules preempted by 45-9-51
- Parking
- Parking-lot firearm protections for employees
Summary
Miss. Code Section 45-9-101 establishes Mississippi's licensed concealed carry framework while related provisions and case law confirm that lawful adults may carry firearms in private motor vehicles without a permit, with statewide preemption barring local restrictions.
(2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle. (3) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to or returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, "legitimate weapon-related sports activity" means hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other weapon. (4) For the purposes of this section, "concealed" means hidden or obscured from common observation and shall not include any weapon listed in subsection (1) of this section, including, but not limited to, a loaded or unloaded pistol carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster that is wholly or partially visible, or carried upon the person in a scabbard or case for carrying the weapon that is wholly or partially visible.
Full Breakdown
Mississippi treats a person's private motor vehicle similarly to the home for firearm-carry purposes. Under Miss. Code 45-9-101 and related statutes, a person not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may transport a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle, including in the glovebox, console, or otherwise concealed, without a license. A license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver remains available through the Department of Public Safety, which provides reciprocity and access to additional venues. Enhanced permit holders who complete approved training have expanded carry rights beyond standard permittees. Local governments cannot impose vehicle-specific firearm restrictions because Miss. Code 45-9-51 broadly preempts municipal and county firearm regulation. Employers are limited in their ability to prohibit firearms locked inside employees' vehicles in parking lots.
Violations & Penalties
Unlawful carry by a prohibited person, or carry in statutorily off-limits locations, may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and prior history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mississippi adults carry a loaded firearm in their car without a permit?
Can a Mississippi city ban guns in cars parked on public streets?
Sources
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