Weapons in CMVs - North Carolina

In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This includes concealed carry in a private vehicle. Without a valid permit, a weapon must either be displayed openly or locked in a storage case, trunk, or other secure storage area.

Permits

Permits are available to qualified residents and to non-residents who have a valid permit from another state. Permits are issued by local sheriffs’ offices. Applicants must complete a state-approved firearms training course. North Carolina has broad reciprocity, recognizing valid permits from all states even if the permit holder is under the age of 21.

Other weapons

No weapons other than handguns may be concealed carried in North Carolina even with a permit.

Permitted non-lethal weapons include:

• Stun guns/tasers (18 and over; only allowed on an individual’s premises)
• Pepper spray
• Tear gas (with restrictions)
• Bear spray (legal for self-defense against wildlife)
• Bludgeons/batons
• Less-lethal launchers

Duty to inform

North Carolina state law requires drivers to notify police of the presence of a concealed weapon during traffic stops or at weigh stations.

Employee parking lots

North Carolina statutes only address detention personnel, correctional officer, legislators, and legislative employees. These employees may store a legal firearm in a personal vehicle in an employee parking lot only if the firearms is in a closed compartment or container and the vehicle is locked. Otherwise, the issue is not addressed in state law.