Weapons in CMVs - Arkansas

Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, which means law-abiding adults 18 years and older who can legally possess a firearm under federal and state law may carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit. It is legal to carry a concealed handgun in a private vehicle.

Permits

Permits are not required but may be useful for reciprocity with other states. Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCLs) are available to qualified residents 21 years and older (18 if a member of the military) and require completion of a state-approved firearms training course. Permits are issued by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety via the state police.

Other weapons

No weapons other than handguns may be concealed carried in Arkansas.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Stun guns/tasers
• Pepper spray
• Bear spray
• Bludgeons/batons (law is ambiguous)
• Less-lethal launchers

Duty to inform

Concealed carry permit holders have a duty to inform police officers of the presence of a concealed weapon during traffic stops or at weigh stations and must also be prepared to present the valid CHCL. Those who are carrying a weapon under permitless carry do not have a duty to inform.

Employee parking lots

Generally, a private employer cannot prohibit an employee who is a licensee from transporting or storing a legally owned handgun in the employee's locked and unattended private motor vehicle in the private employer's parking lot as long as the weapon is stored out of sight. Employer restrictions are allowed under limited circumstances.