Firearms in North Carolina (2026)

8 rules on the books across North Carolina, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Local Firearms Preemption

Whether your state expressly bars cities from passing their own firearms ordinances, and what (if anything) cities can still regulate.

North Carolina preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, and concealed handgun permitting beyond…

Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any…

Charlotte cannot enact local firearm ordinances. North Carolina General Statute 14-409.40 reserves to the General…

Greensboro cannot enact local firearm ordinances. North Carolina General Statute 14-409.40 reserves to the General…

Raleigh cannot enact local firearm ordinances. North Carolina General Statute 14-409.40 reserves to the General…

State concealed carry licensing, reciprocity with other states, and where concealed carry is prohibited statewide regardless of local rules.

North Carolina issues concealed handgun permits through county sheriffs under NCGS 14-415.10 and recognizes reciprocity…

State rules on visibly carrying a firearm in public, including who may open carry and where open carry is prohibited statewide.

North Carolina generally permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit, but local discharge ordinances…

State rules on transporting firearms in private vehicles, locked-case requirements, loaded vs unloaded, and whether locals can add restrictions.

North Carolina permits transporting firearms in a vehicle, but a handgun carried concealed within reach generally…