New Jersey has some of the most restrictive gun laws, comparable to California and New York. New Jersey rates itself as a “Shall Issue” state and a person must demonstrate a justifiable need to carry a firearm.
It should be known that it’s incredibly difficult to obtain a conceal carry permit in New Jersey, and there are court cases being pushed through because of these restrictions.
Permits are issued to both residents and non-residents. You must be 21 and pass a training course to obtain a firearm.
New Jersey Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - New Jersey is not considered a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Technically open carry is legal within New Jersey. There are no specific laws prohibiting the open carrying of a firearm so long as you have the New Jersey PCH. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - If you have a New Jersey PCH you may concealed carry in your vehicle under the following reasons:
If you do not have a PCH, then you must transport your (unloaded) firearm in a secure case, separated from ammunition. You also cannot have your handgun in a glove compartment, even if it's in a locked case. |
Carry In State Park? | ❌ No - New Jersey does not allow for concealed carrying within their state parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - We could not find any code making concealed carry within restaurants or bars illegal so long as you have the PCH and you're not under the influence at all. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We could not find any code specifically giving no weapons signs the force of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We could not find any duty to inform law within the New Jersey statues. |
New Jersey CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with New Jersey
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
No other state's permit is accepted in New Jersey.
How Reciprocity Works In New Jersey
Unfortunately, New Jersey does not honor any other states CCW.
Reciprocity Agreements In New Jersey
New Jersey: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- Casino
- State Parks
- School, college, university or other educational institution
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
New Jersey: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, New Jersey is rather strange in this specific instance. Technically there is no code making it specifically illegal to open carry your firearm (including a handgun) if you have the New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH). However, we highly recommend you consider concealed carrying in this scenario to avoid unwanted attention.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, carrying a loaded handgun inside any vehicle without a permit/license in New Jersey is illegal. Unless the handgun is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk.
Carry In State Parks
No, you are permitted to carry in state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas. You cannot carry in state parks.
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
No, New Jersey is not considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, we have not been able to locate any information on NO WEAPONS signs.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in New Jersey gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law is also silent about carrying a permit, but we do HIGHLY recommend you carry our permit at all times while carrying your firearm.
Additional Resources
New Jersey Concealed Carry Laws
New Jersey Open Carry Laws
New Jersey Gun Permit Laws