Traveling Between RI, MA, and CT with Firearms

Traveling with firearms between Rhode Island and its neighboring states requires careful planning. Neither Massachusetts nor Connecticut recognizes Rhode Island's LCCW, and Rhode Island recognizes valid permits from those states only for transport through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without any intent to detain oneself or remain in Rhode Island. This guide explains how to transport firearms legally across these borders.

No Reciprocity

Rhode Island does not recognize out-of-state carry permits, except that 11-47-8(a) exempts the holder of a valid out-of-state carry permit who is merely transporting the firearm through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without any intent to detain oneself or remain in Rhode Island. A Rhode Island LCCW authorizes concealed handgun carry statewide, subject to restrictions on school grounds, and neither Massachusetts nor Connecticut recognizes it. Massachusetts requires its own License to Carry for possession of a handgun outside the holder's residence or place of business unless a statutory exemption or federal transport protection applies, and issues a temporary license to non-residents through the State Police. A Firearm Identification Card permits possession and carry of rifles and shotguns that are neither large capacity nor semi-automatic^[1]. Connecticut prohibits carrying a pistol or revolver on the person outside one's dwelling, land leased or owned by the person or place of business without a Connecticut permit, unless a statutory exemption applies. Carrying a handgun in Massachusetts without a Massachusetts license, or in Connecticut without a Connecticut permit, is a criminal offense unless an exemption or federal protection applies. A Rhode Island LCCW holder may bring a handgun into either state under an applicable state-law exemption or under the federal safe-passage rule in 18 U.S.C. 926A, subject to its conditions. Federal safe passage requires an unloaded firearm, with neither the firearm nor any ammunition readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment, on the way from a place where the person may lawfully possess and carry it to another such place.

Federal FOPA Protection

The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), 18 U.S.C. 926A^[2], provides a safe harbor for persons transporting firearms through states where they would otherwise be illegal. FOPA protection applies only when the person is not otherwise prohibited from transporting, shipping or receiving a firearm, the transport is for a lawful purpose, the person may lawfully possess and carry the firearm at both the origin and the destination, the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. FOPA protects transport from a place where the person may lawfully possess and carry the firearm to another such place. The text of 926A speaks only of transportation between such places.

Transport Rules by State

• Rhode Island: No state carry permit is required to transport a rifle or shotgun, but under § 11-47-51 it is unlawful to possess a loaded rifle or shotgun, or one whose magazine has not been fully emptied, upon or along any public highway, road, lane, or trail, except for persons legally engaged in hunting under title 20, chapter 13 or 18, and the law enforcement, military and other official personnel the section exempts. A handgun transported under 11-47-9(a) must be unloaded with any ammunition not readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment, and in a vehicle without a separate compartment the firearm or the ammunition must be in a locked container, unless the person holds a license or permit. Under § 11-47-10, a pistol or revolver may be carried without a license or permit between one's home or place of business and a bona fide target practice range to engage in a shoot meet or practice, provided it is broken down, unloaded, and carried as openly as circumstances permit, or unloaded and secured in a separate container suitable for the purpose^[4]. Broader transport provisions under § 11-47-9(a) also apply, covering transport from place of purchase to residence, residence to place of business, to and from a gunsmith, and to gun buy-back programs. For transport under § 11-47-9(a), the pistol or revolver must be unloaded, any ammunition must not be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment, and in a vehicle without a compartment separate from the passenger compartment the firearm or the ammunition must be in a locked container.
• Massachusetts: Non-residents without a Massachusetts license may possess firearms under applicable Massachusetts exemptions or transport them under 18 U.S.C. 926A when its conditions are met. The hunting exemption in chapter 140, section 129C(j) applies to non-residents at least 18 years old who hunt during hunting season with a qualifying hunting license and to rifles and shotguns that are neither large capacity nor semi-automatic. Section 129C(b)(iii) also permits possession for examination, trial or instruction for a particular purpose and limited time while under the direct supervision of a holder of the necessary license or card. Unlawful possession under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 269, section 10(a), carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months^[3].
• Connecticut: Non-residents may transport firearms through Connecticut if compliant with FOPA and section 29-38d. In a vehicle without a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, both the firearm and any ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Connecticut also offers a non-resident pistol permit for those who wish to carry while in the state.

Practical Recommendations

When driving through Massachusetts with firearms, follow FOPA requirements strictly. Do not stop for any reason beyond fuel and emergencies. Keep firearms unloaded, locked in the trunk, with ammunition stored separately. Carry documentation of your Rhode Island LCCW and proof that you are traveling to a destination where possession is legal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, inform the officer that you are transporting firearms in compliance with FOPA before they discover the firearms.

See also: Non-Resident Guide to Rhode Island Firearms Laws