While the controversy around firearms begins to swell near the 2020 elections, your right to bear arms will be protected by the second amendment. Here is everything you should know regarding gun laws in Massachusetts.
Owning guns in Massachusetts
Owning a gun in Massachusetts is very simple and is possible even if you are not a resident of the state. Of course, before you can purchase a licensed firearm, you will need a License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearm Identification (FID) Card. Sellers will have to conduct a background check on a buyer, and for that, they will need the aforementioned identification cards.
Carrying Guns in Massachusetts
Other than owning a gun in Massachusetts, licensed gun owners can also carry their firearms outside of their homes. To freely carry a gun, individuals will have to first apply for a Class A Unrestricted License to Carry (LTC-A). Individuals can only apply for an LTC-A license after first receiving an LTC.
Areas Where Carrying Firearms Is Illegal
Although Massachusetts allows for open and concealed carry of your firearm throughout the state, there are places where individuals cannot carry firearms. Even if they have a dedicated LTC-A license, the state prohibits gun owners from carrying firearms in designated places. Here are the following places:
- Schools or other educational institutes
- Airports
- Courthouses
- When using an off-road vehicle other than a car like a snowmobile, etc.
Carrying a Firearm in Your Car
Class A LTC holders in the state to Massachusetts can carry handguns or short-barreled firearms in their car. However, this license will have to be under the vehicle owner’s direct control. On the other hand, Class B LTC holders can keep an unloaded firearm in their vehicle in a safe storage container. Without an LTC, it is illegal to knowingly possess a firearm.
Gun Registration in Massachusetts
Gun registration is possible in Massachusetts but is not always necessary. Most authorized sellers provide a detailed report of all their transactions to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, which keeps a comprehensive record of sales data.
If you are looking to learn more about Massachusetts firearm laws, contact Urbelis Law at (617) 830-2188. While owning a firearm is your second amendment right, there are certain factors that you will have to consider when buying and owning them, and we can help you.
