Trigger Lock Requirements for Dealers

Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-60.3^[1] mandates that licensed firearms dealers include a trigger lock or comparable safety device with every firearm sale or transfer. The law reflects a legislative judgment that the point of sale is the most effective moment to ensure new owners have the tools for safe storage.

2024 Expansion to All Firearms

Prior to the 2024 amendments, Section 11-47-60.3 applied only to sales of pistols and revolvers. The 2024 legislative session expanded the requirement to cover all firearms, including rifles and shotguns.^[2] This change aligned the trigger lock mandate with the expanded safe storage duty in Section 11-47-60.1, which also applies to all firearms regardless of type.

What Qualifies as a Safety Device

The statute requires a "trigger lock or other safety device." Rhode Island law does not mandate a specific brand or design. Acceptable devices include trigger locks, cable locks, and lock boxes. Many dealers satisfy this obligation using the free cable locks available through the Project ChildSafe program, which are distributed at no cost to dealers through law enforcement partnerships.

Dealer Signage Requirements

Section 11-47-60.4^[3] requires every licensed dealer to post a conspicuous sign informing customers of the safe storage requirements under Rhode Island law. The sign must be displayed in the area where firearms are sold or transferred. The signage requirement works in tandem with the trigger lock mandate to ensure buyers are aware of both their legal obligations and the tools available to comply.

Penalties

Neither section sets its own penalty. Under RIGL 11-47-26, a violation of a provision of chapter 11-47 that specifies no penalty of its own is punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.^[1]