Question 1

How do I get a concealed carry permit in RI?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island has a dual-track system. Track 1: Apply through your local police chief or town council under RIGL § 11-47-11. This is a shall-issue path for residents who meet the requirements (21+, notarized application, 3 reference letters, fingerprints, firearms qualification with a 195/300 score). Track 2: Apply through the Attorney General under § 11-47-18. This is a may-issue path requiring a "proper showing of need." The AG permit also authorizes open carry, which the local LCCW does not.

Question 2

What is the assault weapons ban and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

The Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 (Chapter 281, S 0359A, RIGL Chapter 11-47.2) takes effect July 1, 2026. It bans the manufacture, sale, purchase, and transfer of "prohibited firearms," defined using a purely characteristics-based approach (no named firearms list). Covered categories include semi-automatic rifles with a detachable magazine and one or more prohibited features (pistol grip, folding stock, flash suppressor, bayonet mount, barrel shroud, etc.), semi-automatic rifles with fixed magazines over 10 rounds, semi-automatic shotguns with fixed magazines over 6 rounds, semi-automatic pistols with fixed magazines over 10 rounds, revolving-cylinder shotguns, and belt-fed semi-automatics. Possession is not prohibited. There is no mandatory registration. Penalties are up to 10 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine, plus mandatory forfeiture.

Question 3

What magazines are legal in RI?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, or control of large capacity feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds (RIGL Ch. 11-47.1, effective June 2022). The grandfathering deadline passed on December 18, 2022. Pre-ban magazines had to be permanently modified (epoxied or riveted limiter), surrendered, transferred to an FFL, or sold out of state by that date. Penalties are up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine. Law enforcement and certain retired LEOs are exempt.

Question 4

Can I carry my gun from MA/CT into RI?

Accepted Answer

No. Rhode Island does not honor concealed carry permits from any other state. There are no reciprocity agreements. If you hold an out-of-state permit, you may only transport firearms through RI in a vehicle without intent to stop or remain in the state (transient provision under § 11-47-8). The federal Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA) provides safe passage protections for interstate transport if firearms are unloaded and inaccessible.

Question 5

What are the safe storage requirements?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island significantly expanded safe storage requirements in 2024. Under § 11-47-60.1, ALL firearms must be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock when not being carried by or within close proximity of a lawfully authorized user. This is a standalone requirement regardless of whether children are present. First offense: $250 civil fine. Second: $1,000 civil fine. Third and subsequent: misdemeanor with up to 6 months imprisonment and/or $500 fine. Separate criminal penalties apply if a child under 18 gains access and causes injury per § 11-47-60.1(c).

Question 6

What is the waiting period?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island imposes a 7-day waiting period on ALL firearms purchases. For pistols and revolvers, the waiting period is established by § 11-47-35. For rifles and shotguns, the same 7-day waiting period is imposed by § 11-47-35.2. The waiting period begins when the buyer submits the purchase application and background check authorization. LCCW holders are exempt from all waiting periods: § 11-47-35.1 exempts them from the handgun waiting period, and § 11-47-35.2(c) exempts them from the rifle/shotgun waiting period.

Question 7

Do I need a permit to buy a gun?

Accepted Answer

No permit is required to buy a gun, but you need either an LCCW (concealed carry permit) or a DEM-issued pistol/revolver safety certificate (Blue Card) to purchase a handgun. The Blue Card is obtained by passing a 2-hour safety course administered by the Department of Environmental Management. For rifles and shotguns, no state permit or safety certificate is required. You must be 21+ to purchase any firearm in RI.

Question 8

Can I carry in my car?

Accepted Answer

You need an LCCW to carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle. Without an LCCW, you may transport firearms to and from a target range under § 11-47-10, but they must be unloaded and the ammunition stored separately. Firearms in a vehicle without a permit should be unloaded and in a locked container.

Question 9

What are RI's self-defense laws?

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island is a duty-to-retreat state in public. You must attempt to retreat through a known safe avenue before using deadly force. However, RI has a strong Castle Doctrine (§ 11-8-8): there is a rebuttable presumption that an occupant acted in lawful self-defense against someone committing breaking and entering offenses. This applies to any building, not just your home. One exception: the Castle Doctrine does not apply between cohabitants (State v. Quarles, 1986).

Question 10

What are the penalties for violating gun laws?

Accepted Answer

Penalties range from civil infractions to serious felonies. Unsafe storage (1st offense): $250 civil fine. Carrying without a permit (§ 11-47-8): up to 10 years. Ghost gun possession: up to 10 years/$10,000. AWB violation (after July 2026): up to 10 years/$10,000. LCM possession: up to 5 years/$5,000. Using a firearm during a crime of violence (§ 11-47-3): mandatory consecutive sentence. Ammunition sale to minors: felony, up to 5 years/$5,000.

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