Can I Carry My Gun in My Car in North Carolina?

When owning and operating a firearm, it is extremely important to know your rights and the strict laws of owning such a high-risk weapon. In North Carolina, while it is legal to carry a loaded or unloaded gun in your vehicle, there are a number of stipulations. Because residents want to be careful to follow the rules of owning a firearm and avoid fines, charges on their record, or imprisonment, many ask, “Can I carry my gun in my car in North Carolina?”

What Are North Carolina’s Gun Laws?

You must be 18 years old to own a firearm in North Carolina, and it is an open carry state. This means the state places no limit on carrying a firearm as long as you don’t have any felony convictions. Convicted felons are not allowed to use, purchase, sell, or trade firearms in North Carolina. The law does make an exception if the convicted felon has been pardoned and their rights to owning a firearm were restored.

Can I Carry My Gun in My Car?

Carrying your gun in your car is legal in North Carolina, however, the gun must be visible and not easily accessible by other passengers in your vehicle. Anyone approaching your vehicle must be able to clearly see the firearm in your car. The gun may not be placed in the trunk or glove compartment of your car unless you have a concealed handgun permit. If you do have a concealed carry permit, you may also legally keep a loaded handgun under your seat.

What Is Gun Safety?

Maintaining appropriate knowledge and practice of gun safety is crucial for protecting yourself, your rights, and those around you. As a responsible gun owner, you must take necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized access to your firearm. For example, this includes understanding and adhering to fundamental safety principles and diligently following safety guidelines, such as securely storing your gun when it’s not in use.

When handling a firearm, always stay aware of your surroundings and maintain a clear mental state. Treat every weapon as if it is loaded, and never point your gun in any direction you are not willing to shoot. Proper gun safety is critical for protecting yourself and others. Maintaining proper gun safety can help prevent accidents and promote a positive culture of responsible gun ownership.

Can I Carry My Gun into Stores?

North Carolina allows gun owners to defend their property and prevent bodily harm with a firearm both in their homes and in their workplaces. Despite North Carolina being an open carry state, there are caveats to this law. Private businesses have the right to refuse open carry in their stores, and you cannot bring a firearm into their establishment. Businesses like Walmart, Walgreens, Safeway, and Kroger have announced that they prohibit customers openly carrying firearms in their stores.

Can I Use My Gun in Self-Defense?

North Carolina allows gun owners to stand their ground and does not require residents to retreat from a lethal situation. In fact, gun owners are allowed to use deadly force if they believe that someone’s safety is at risk of imminent danger.

However, the law prohibits the use of firearms against certain parties, such as landlords who are on their own property legally, policemen, or bail bondsmen. It is also unlawful to open fire on a perpetrator who is retreating from a dangerous situation.

Transparency With Your Weapon

If you’re pulled over by a police officer while carrying a firearm in your vehicle, it is imperative to notify the officer immediately. To avoid any potential misunderstandings, be transparent about the location of your gun and your permit. North Carolina law requires those with a concealed carry permit to disclose the presence of a firearm when interacting with a law enforcement officer.

FAQs:

Q: Can I Carry a Loaded Gun in My Car?

A: Yes, you can carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle. If you are driving without a concealed carry permit, you must keep the gun visible and out of reach of other passengers. You may not keep the gun tucked away under the seat, in the glove compartment, or otherwise hidden out of view without a concealed carry permit. Even with a concealed handgun permit, you are required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a gun.

Q: Can I Carry a Gun Without a Permit in North Carolina?

A: You can legally carry a gun without a permit in North Carolina. However, this right does not extend everywhere unilaterally. For example, you are not allowed to carry a gun into a government building, such as a prison or a courthouse, and are prohibited from carrying a firearm into a school or public educational property, including school fields or grounds.

Q: When Can I Not Use my Firearm in North Carolina?

A: You are not permitted to carry your firearm anywhere that openly states or labels that their business or premises do not permit firearms inside or on the property. Operating a firearm is also illegal if you have been consuming alcohol or drugs. You also may not bring a firearm into an establishment that sells or provides alcohol unless you have a concealed carry permit. If the establishment prohibits guns, the permit is void.

Q: Can You Travel With a Gun in North Carolina?

A: If you are traveling to a state that allows open carry and the possession of firearms, then the same laws apply. However, you must research the firearm laws of your destination. If you plan to fly with a firearm, the firearm must be declared. An unloaded firearm may be placed in checked luggage in a locked container, but it is illegal to bring a firearm into the passenger cabin of a plane.

Speak With a Defense Attorney Today Regarding Your Gun Rights

Knowing your rights as a gun owner is essential. If you have recently been charged with an offense involving a firearm, contact The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett so we may help you through the legal process and provide a defense in your case.