Weapons in CMVs - Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, concealed carry of a firearm is legal for adults aged 21 and older who are allowed under state and federal law to possess a firearm and who have a state license to carry (LTC). A person with an LTC may carry a handgun, loaded or unloaded, on their person or under the person’s direct control in a private vehicle. If the handgun is not under the licensed person’s direct control, it must be unloaded and stored in a locked case, secure container, or with a trigger lock.

Permits

Permits are issued through local police stations for qualified residents and through the State Police Firearms Records Bureau for non-residents. Either an LTC or a Firearm Identification Card are required in order to purchase a firearm in the state. A state-approved firearms training course is required prior to applying for an LTC. Reciprocity is limited; Massachusetts does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state, but a majority of other states recognize Massachusetts permits.

Magazine capacity limits

Massachusetts law limits magazine capacity to no more than 10 rounds.

Other weapons

Stun guns/tasers are the only weapons other than handguns that may be concealed carried in Massachusetts, with an LTC.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Pepper spray (some restrictions apply)
• Tear gas (some restrictions apply)
• Bear spray (legal for self-defense against wildlife)
• Less-lethal launchers

Duty to inform

There is no duty to inform in Massachusetts.

Employee parking lots

This issue is not explicitly addressed in Massachusetts law.