Restrictions | Rhode Island Concealed Carry

Weapon Restrictions

Prohibited Weapons & Devices

Large Capacity Feeding Devices (Effective June 21, 2022)

Rhode Island bans large capacity feeding devices (magazines holding more than 10 rounds). This law was signed by Governor Daniel J. McKee on June 21, 2022, as part of a package of three firearms safety bills passed during the 2022 legislative session.

Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47.1 (Large Capacity Feeding Device ban); Attorney General Guidance AG 2022-02

Open Carry of Loaded Long Guns (Effective June 21, 2022)

Rhode Island bans the open carry of loaded shotguns and rifles in public. This prohibition was enacted alongside the large capacity feeding device ban and age requirement changes.

Reference: Attorney General Guidance AG 2022-02

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Age Restrictions (Effective June 21, 2022)

• Minimum age to purchase any firearm: 21 years old
• Minimum age to purchase ammunition: 21 years old
• No person shall transfer, sell, or deliver any firearm to a purchaser under 21
• Beginning January 1, 2023, ammunition purchasers must be 21+ and possess a valid pistol/revolver safety certificate ("blue card") or Rhode Island hunter education course card issued by the Department of Environmental Management

Exemptions from age restrictions:

• Full-time members of the state police or city/town police
• State marshals or correctional officers
• Active-duty military (any branch, organized reserves, or National Guard)

Concealed carry permit holders are exempt from the blue card/hunter education card requirement for ammunition purchases.

Note: The law does not prohibit possession of rifles, long guns, or ammunition by individuals aged 18 to 20 who already own them; it prohibits the sale or delivery to that age group.

BB guns, air rifles, and air pistols (and their ammunition) are not covered by these restrictions.

Penalties:

• Violating firearm sale restrictions: Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 5 years, or both (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-26)
• Violating ammunition sale restrictions: Felony - up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine

Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-26; Attorney General Guidance AG 2022-02

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Carry Restrictions Post-Bruen (2022)

Following New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen (2022), the Rhode Island Attorney General issued guidance (AG 2022-01) confirming that:

• Rhode Island's shall-issue licensing regime remains valid and unaffected by Bruen
• The state may continue to impose licensing requirements including fingerprinting, background checks, mental health records checks, proficiency standards, training, and familiarity with use-of-force laws
• The Second Amendment right to bear arms is subject to "reasonable, well-defined restrictions" including:
  • Sensitive places: Carrying firearms may be prohibited in schools and government buildings
  • Prohibited persons: Felons and the mentally ill may be prohibited from carrying
  • Dangerous and unusual weapons: Prohibitions on carrying such weapons remain valid
  • Restrictions on the intent, manner, or exceptional circumstances of carrying arms

Reference: Attorney General Concealed-Carry Permit Guidance AG 2022-01; District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008); NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022)

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Pistol/Revolver Safety Certificate ("Blue Card")

• Issued by the RI Department of Environmental Management
• Required to purchase handguns and (as of January 1, 2023) any ammunition
• Available to lawful residents of Rhode Island who are at least 21 years old
• Requires passing the state's handgun safety exam with a score of 80 points or higher
• Not the same as a concealed carry permit

Reference: RI DEM Handgun Safety Certification program

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Key Statutory References

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Important Notes

• Retired law enforcement officers are not exempt from the age and ammunition purchase requirements, but may obtain an expedited concealed carry permit from the Attorney General (no showing of need required), which then exempts them from the blue card requirement for ammunition purchases.
• The Attorney General's guidance documents are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or create or confer any rights.
• Rhode Island law continues to evolve; permit holders should verify current restrictions with the Rhode Island Attorney General's office or legal counsel.