Carrying a Gun in Your Car in Rhode Island: Vehicle Carry Laws

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles - Rhode Island

General Rule: Permit Required

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8(a), no person may carry a pistol or revolver in any vehicle or conveyance - whether visible or concealed - without a valid license or permit issued pursuant to §§ 11-47-11 (municipal), 11-47-12, or 11-47-18 (Attorney General).

Violation is punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Second and subsequent convictions are not eligible for suspension, deferment of sentence, or probation.

Transporting Through the State (Non-Residents)

Section 11-47-8(a) provides a limited exception for holders of a valid out-of-state concealed carry permit or license. Such persons may carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle while merely transporting the firearm through Rhode Island, provided they have no intent to detain themselves or remain within the state. This is a transit-only provision - it does not authorize stopping, staying, or conducting activities in Rhode Island.

Transporting Unloaded Firearms Without a Permit

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-9(a), the restrictions of § 11-47-8 do not apply to a person transporting an unloaded pistol or revolver between the following locations:

• From the place of purchase to the person's residence or place of business
• Between the person's residence and place of business
• To or from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) for sale
• To or from a bona fide gunsmith or firearms repair facility
• To a police station or designated "gun buy-back" program site

Critical transport requirements:

1. The pistol or revolver must be unloaded
2. Ammunition must not be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment
3. In vehicles without a compartment separate from the passenger compartment (e.g., SUVs, hatchbacks), the firearm or the ammunition must be stored in a locked container

Permit Holders: Carrying in Vehicles

Persons holding a valid Rhode Island concealed carry permit - whether issued by a municipal licensing authority under § 11-47-11 ("shall issue") or by the Attorney General under § 11-47-18 ("may issue") - may lawfully carry a concealed pistol or revolver in a vehicle.

Rhode Island's dual permitting system was confirmed as constitutional and unaffected by the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen, per guidance issued by Attorney General Neronha on July 19, 2022.

Long Guns in Vehicles

As of June 21, 2022 (Public Laws 2022 Ch. 133/134), Rhode Island prohibits the open carry of a loaded shotgun or rifle on any public roadway. "Rifle" and "shotgun" are defined consistent with federal law under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(c) and (d).

• Unloaded long guns are not restricted by this provision
• Persons legally engaged in hunting activities are exempt
• Law enforcement officers and active military personnel are exempt
• Violation: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine

Law enforcement will not conduct vehicle stops solely to check for loaded long guns, but possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun on a public roadway subjects the individual to arrest and prosecution.

Prohibited Items in Vehicles

The following are prohibited in vehicles (and everywhere else) regardless of permit status:

• Sawed-off shotguns or rifles as defined in § 11-47-2 - up to 10 years and/or $5,000 fine (§ 11-47-8(b))
• Ghost guns, undetectable firearms, and 3D-printed firearms (§ 11-47-8(e)) - up to 10 years and/or $10,000 fine
• Bump-fire devices, binary triggers, trigger cranks, or other devices enabling full-automatic fire (§ 11-47-8(d))
• Large capacity magazines exceeding 10 rounds (effective December 18, 2022)

Firearms During Controlled Substance Offenses

Under § 11-47-8(c), no person may possess or have under their control any firearm while delivering, possessing with intent to deliver, or manufacturing a controlled substance. Violation carries 2 to 20 years imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any drug sentence. A concealed carry permit is not a defense to this charge.

Domestic Violence Surrender Requirement

Under § 11-47-5.4, a plea of nolo contendere resulting in a filing, probation, or conviction for a domestic violence offense prohibits the defendant from carrying or transporting any firearm. All firearms must be surrendered within 24 hours to state police, local law enforcement, or a licensed gun dealer. A person transporting a firearm to surrender under this section is not liable for prosecution under §§ 11-47-5(d) or 11-47-8.

Key Statute References

Note: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-9 was most recently amended by P.L. 2025, Ch. 165/166 (effective June 24, 2025) and P.L. 2025, Ch. 196/197 (effective June 26, 2025). Permit holders should verify current exemption language for any recent changes to the transport provisions.