North Dakota Statewide Rule
North Dakota Firearm Vehicle Carry Rules
Key Facts
- Carry Rule
- Constitutional carry covers vehicle transport for eligible adults
- Handgun Statute
- NDCC 62.1-04 governs concealed handgun vehicle carry
- Long Gun Restriction
- Loaded long guns on roads restricted by NDCC 20.1
- Non-Residents
- Non-residents follow federal FOPA transport rules
- Preemption
- Local governments preempted from additional rules
Summary
North Dakota allows eligible adults to carry loaded firearms in vehicles under NDCC 62.1-04, with constitutional carry permitting concealed transport without a permit statewide.
62.1-02-10. Carrying loaded firearm in certain vehicles prohibited - Penalty Exceptions. An individual may not keep or carry a loaded firearm in or on any motor vehicle, including an off-highway vehicle or snowmobile in this state. An individual violating this section is guilty of an infraction. This prohibition does not apply to: 1. A member of the armed forces of the United States or national guard, organized reserves, state defense forces, or state guard organizations while possessing the firearm issued to the member by the organization and while on official duty. 2. A law enforcement officer. 3. An individual possessing a valid concealed weapons license from this state or who has reciprocity under section 62.1-04-03.1 with a handgun. 4.
Full Breakdown
Under NDCC 62.1-04, residents 18 and older who are legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a loaded handgun concealed in a motor vehicle without a permit, commonly called constitutional carry. The vehicle is generally treated like the person for carry purposes, so a firearm may be loaded and accessible to the driver or a passenger. Long guns may be transported in vehicles, though loaded rifles or shotguns in motor vehicles on public roads are restricted under hunting and game statutes in NDCC 20.1. Non-residents may transport firearms following federal Firearm Owners Protection Act rules and any reciprocity their home state permit provides. Local governments are preempted under NDCC 62.1-01-03 from imposing additional vehicle carry restrictions beyond statewide law.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying while ineligible due to a disqualifying conviction is a felony under NDCC 62.1-02-01. Loaded long gun transport on public roads outside permitted hunting contexts can violate NDCC 20.1-01-08 and result in misdemeanor charges. Carrying in prohibited locations such as schools or gaming sites remains a class A misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a loaded handgun in my car in North Dakota?
Do I need a permit for vehicle carry?
What about non-residents passing through?
Sources
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