Rhode Island Open Carry Laws

Open Carry Laws

Handguns

Rhode Island prohibits the open carry of handguns without a permit. Individuals who wish to openly carry a handgun must obtain a carry permit through one of the state's two permitting pathways:

• Attorney General Permit - Under R.I.G.L. § 11-47-18(a), the Attorney General "may issue" a concealed or open carry permit to a qualified applicant who is at least 21 years old "upon a proper showing of need." This is a discretionary (may-issue) permit. Retired law enforcement officers may also apply under § 11-47-18(b).
• Local Authority Permit - Under R.I.G.L. § 11-47-11, individuals may apply to local authorities (city or town) for a license or permit to carry a concealed pistol or revolver.

For permit questions or status inquiries: CCWpermits@riag.ri.gov

Post-Bruen Note: On July 19, 2022, the Attorney General issued guidance advising that Rhode Island's dual concealed carry permitting scheme is constitutional and unimpacted by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen.

Rifles and Shotguns

As of June 21, 2022, Rhode Island prohibits the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun on any public roadway.

This law was enacted through Public Laws 2022 Ch. 133 / Ch. 134 (House Bill 7358A / Senate Bill 2825), signed by Governor Daniel J. McKee on June 21, 2022.

Key provisions:

• "Rifle" and "shotgun" are defined consistent with federal law under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(c) and (d)
• The prohibition applies to loaded firearms on public roadways
• Muskets or "black powder guns" loaded with blanks are not considered loaded firearms under this law, as they contain no projectiles and fall outside the federal definition of rifles

Penalties

Violations of the loaded rifle/shotgun open carry ban may result in:

• Up to 5 years imprisonment, and/or
• A fine of up to $5,000

Exemptions

The following persons are exempt from the loaded rifle/shotgun open carry prohibition:

• Duly authorized law enforcement officers
• Active military personnel
• Persons legally engaged in hunting activities (regulated by Chapter 13, Title 20 of the Rhode Island General Laws and the RI Department of Environmental Management)

See Public Laws 2022 Ch. 134 for a comprehensive list of exemptions.

Related 2022 Firearms Legislation

The open carry ban was part of a broader firearms safety package signed on June 21, 2022, which also included:

• Large-capacity magazine ban - Magazines limited to 10 rounds (compliance deadline: December 18, 2022)
• Minimum purchase age raised to 21 - For all firearms and ammunition, with exceptions for law enforcement, state marshals, correctional officers, and active-duty military/National Guard
• Ammunition purchase requirements - Effective January 1, 2023, purchasers must be 21+ and hold a valid DEM pistol/revolver safety certificate, RI hunter education course card, or a carry permit

Key Statutes