Rhode Island is another northern state which restrictive laws when it pertains to obtaining a conceal carry permit.
Permits are issued by the AG or local authorities. Rhode Island has technical differences in terms of how they issue permits. The AG states Rhode Island is a “May Issue” state, where the local law indicates a “Shall Issue” state. Court cases in the future will clear this up.
To obtain a permit, you must indicated why you need one and how it will resolve the problem. Additionally, you must be 21 and have 3 notarized references for approval.
Rhode Island Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - Rhode Island is not recognized as a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Rhode Island allows for open carry for individuals with a Rhode Island LCCW. Individuals without a permit may still open carry but only at their owned property (house, business, or owned land). |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Rhode Island allows for concealed carry for individuals with any valid state CCW permit. However, you must be carrying the firearm without any intent to stay on the island. For individuals without a permit, you must have your firearm unloaded and stored in a secure traveling container where it's not accessible from any passengers. |
Carry In State Park? | ❌ No - Rhode Island does not allow for concealed carry within their parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Rhode Island allows for concealed carry within restaurants and bars so long as you have the Rhode Island LCCW (and only the LCCW) and you're not intoxicated whatsoever. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We were unable to find any specific code mentioning the enforcement of no weapons signs. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We were unable to find specific laws requiring duty to inform upon interaction with a LEO. |
Rhode Island CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Rhode Island
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
Rhode Island does not recognize licenses or permits from any other states.
How Reciprocity Works In Rhode Island
Unfortunately Rhode Island does not recognize any other states CCW.
Rhode Island: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- Bars/Restaurants that serve alcohol
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- Public or private schools
- State Parks, National Parks, National Forests and WMAs
- Airports
- You cannot carry a firearm if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Rhode Island: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, you must have a permit/license to open carry. Different sources are saying that only a permit/license from the Rhode Island Attorney General will allow you to open carry and that if your permit was issued by the local Authorities then you are not allowed to open carry. However, individuals may still open carry but only on their owned property. These include:
- House or Residence
- Business Owned By Carrier
- Land Owned By Carrier
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, you must have a valid permit/license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle. If you are a resident of Rhode Island and do not have a permit there are certain conditions where you can transport handguns in a vehicle:
- The handguns are merchandise.
- The handguns are unloaded and are being transported from the place of purchase to your home or place of business.
- You are moving the handguns from one place of living or business to another.
- You are transporting the handgun to or from a target practice range (handgun must be broken down, unloaded and secured in separate container or openly carried.)
Carry In State Parks
No, it is illegal to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s.
Roadside rest areas are OK.
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, Rhode Island is not considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, we have been unable to find any info on “No Weapons” signs in Rhode Island gun laws.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in Rhode Island gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require you to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
Additional Resources
Rhode Island Concealed Carry Laws
Rhode Island Open Carry Laws
Rhode Island Gun Permit Laws