Where You Cannot Carry in Arizona: Prohibited Places

Arizona Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry

Arizona law prohibits carrying firearms (open or concealed) in certain locations, regardless of whether a person possesses a CCW permit. The primary statute governing prohibited locations is A.R.S. § 13-3102 (Misconduct involving weapons).

Prohibited Locations Under State Law

1. Election Polling Places on Election Day

• It is unlawful to enter an election polling place on the day of any election carrying a deadly weapon, unless specifically authorized by law. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(11))
• Exception: Peace officers, military members performing official duties, correctional officers, and persons specifically licensed/authorized/permitted by state or federal statute. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(C))
• Violation is a class 1 misdemeanor. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(M))

2. School Grounds (K-12)

• It is unlawful to possess a deadly weapon on school grounds, including both public and private kindergarten programs, common schools, and high schools. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(12))
• "School grounds" means in, or on the grounds of, a school. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(N)(5))
• Violation is a class 1 misdemeanor (elevated to a class 6 felony if in connection with certain drug or gang offenses). (A.R.S. § 13-3102(M))

Exceptions to the school grounds prohibition:

• A firearm that is not loaded and is carried within a means of transportation under the control of an adult, provided that if the adult leaves the vehicle, the firearm is not visible from outside and the vehicle is locked. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(I)(1))
• A firearm for use on school grounds in a program approved by the school. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(I)(2))
• A person who possesses a certificate of firearms proficiency under A.R.S. § 13-3112(T) and is authorized to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA). (A.R.S. § 13-3102(I)(3))
• A weapon possessed for purposes of preparing for, conducting, or participating in hunter or firearm safety courses. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(H))
• Peace officers, military members performing official duties, correctional officers, and persons specifically licensed/authorized/permitted by state or federal statute. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(C))

Note on Private Schools: Per Arizona Attorney General Opinion I16-009, Arizona CCW permittees are not prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun on private school grounds, as they are "licensed, authorized or permitted" under A.R.S. § 13-3102(C)(4). This exemption also applies under the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act.

Note on Public Schools: A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(23) requires the governing board of a public school district to prescribe and enforce policies that prohibit carrying or possessing a weapon on school grounds unless the person is a peace officer or has obtained specific authorization from the school administrator.

3. Nuclear or Hydroelectric Generating Stations

• It is unlawful to enter a nuclear or hydroelectric generating station carrying a deadly weapon on one's person or within immediate control, unless specifically authorized by law. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(13))
• Violation is a class 4 felony. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(M))
• Exception: Commercial nuclear generating station armed nuclear security guards during performance of official duties or security training exercises. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(J))

4. Public Establishments and Public Events (When Requested)

• It is unlawful to enter any public establishment or attend any public event and carry a deadly weapon after a reasonable request by the operator or sponsor to remove the weapon and place it in temporary secure storage pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3102.01. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(10))
• "Public establishment" means a structure, vehicle, or craft that is owned, leased, or operated by the state or a political subdivision of the state. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(N)(2))
• "Public event" means a specifically named or sponsored event of limited duration conducted by a public entity or by a private entity with a permit/license from a public entity. It does not include an unsponsored gathering of people in a public place. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(N)(3))
• Violation is a class 1 misdemeanor. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(M))
• This prohibition does not apply to shooting ranges, shooting events, hunting areas, or similar locations/activities. (A.R.S. § 13-3102(G))
• This prohibition does not apply to elected or appointed judicial officers in the court facility where they work, if they have demonstrated firearms competence per A.R.S. § 13-3112(N). (A.R.S. § 13-3102(D))

5. Licensed Premises Serving Alcohol (On-Sale Retailers)

• Under A.R.S. § 4-244(29), it is unlawful for any person (other than a peace officer on or off duty, certain retired peace officers, the licensee, or an employee with the licensee's permission) to possess a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer of spirituous liquor.
• Key Exception for CCW Permit Holders: This prohibition does not apply to a person with a permit issued pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3112 who carries a concealed handgun on the licensed premises of any on-sale retailer that has not posted a notice pursuant to A.R.S. § 4-229. (A.R.S. § 4-244(29)(c) and (30)(c))
• Alcohol consumption prohibition: Even where carry is permitted, it is unlawful for any person in possession of a firearm on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer to consume spirituous liquor. (A.R.S. § 4-244(31))
• Additional exceptions apply for hotel/motel guest room accommodations and exhibiting/displaying a firearm in conjunction with a meeting, show, class, or similar event. (A.R.S. § 4-244(29)(a)-(b))

6. Private Property Where Owner Requests Removal

• The owner of a private establishment may request a person carrying a firearm to remove the gun from the premises. A person who refuses to comply may be charged with criminal trespassing (A.R.S. § 13-1502 or § 13-1503).

Prohibited Locations Under Federal Law (Applicable in Arizona)

7. Federal Buildings and Courthouses

• Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings and courthouses under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930).

8. Military Installations

• Firearms are generally prohibited on military installations under federal regulations.

9. Indian Reservations

• Firearms regulations on Indian reservations are governed by tribal law. Carry may be prohibited or restricted; check with the specific tribe.

10. Airports

• Firearms are prohibited in or beyond security checkpoints at airports. Firearms may be transported subject to federal TSA rules (in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container).

11. Correctional Facilities

• Firearms are prohibited in correctional and detention facilities.

12. National Parks

• Firearms are generally permitted in national parks to the extent allowed under state law, but are prohibited inside federal buildings within national parks (e.g., visitor centers).

Additional Locations and Considerations

13. Public College or University Grounds

• Public colleges and universities may prohibit carry on their grounds as determined by their governing boards.

14. Arizona State Parks

• Carrying a firearm inside any Arizona State Park building is restricted per A.R.S. § 13-3102 (public establishment provisions). Carrying a firearm outdoors in a State Park is generally permissible, though a Park Ranger may make a reasonable request to remove a firearm if the person is believed to pose a danger or threat.

15. State Trust Lands

• Target shooting is never allowed at any time of the year on State Trust Lands. During Stage 2 fire restrictions, discharging a firearm is prohibited except while engaged in a lawful hunt.

16. National Forests

• Firearms may be carried in National Forests in compliance with state law, but discharge is restricted:
  • Not within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area
  • Not across or on a Forest Development road or adjacent body of water
  • Not into or within any cave (36 CFR 261.10(d))

Penalties Summary

Key Definitions (A.R.S. § 13-3102(N))

• "Public establishment": A structure, vehicle, or craft owned, leased, or operated by the state or a political subdivision of the state.
• "Public event": A specifically named or sponsored event of limited duration conducted by a public entity or by a private entity with a permit/license from a public entity. Does not include unsponsored gatherings.
• "School": A public or nonpublic kindergarten program, common school, or high school.
• "School grounds": In, or on the grounds of, a school.