Gun laws in North Dakota

Location of North Dakota in the United States

Gun laws in North Dakota regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of North Dakota in the United States.[1][2]

Summary table

Subject/Law Long Guns Handguns Relevant Statutes Notes
Permit to purchase required? No No
Firearm registration? No No
Owner license required? No No
Carry permits issued? No Yes North Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry.
Open carry permitted? Yes Yes Open carry of long guns is generally permitted. Open carry of a loaded handgun is permitted only by individuals with a valid concealed weapons license. Non permit holders may carry one hour before sunrise till one hour after sunset provided the firearm is unloaded and in plain sight.
State preemption of local restrictions? Yes Yes
Assault weapon law? No No
Magazine Capacity Restriction? No No
NFA weapons restricted? No No NFA-compliant automatic firearms must be registered with the county sheriff and the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Concealed carry

North Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry.[1] The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) shall issue a concealed weapon permit to a qualified applicant. The applicant must pass a written exam and submit an application to the local law enforcement agency, which conducts a local background check before forwarding the application to the BCI. The permit is valid for five years. A concealed weapon permit is required when transporting a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Concealed carry is not allowed in an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages or in a gaming site. Concealed carry is also not allowed, unless permitted by local law, at a school, church, sporting event, concert, political rally, or public building.[3][4][5][6]

Other laws

North Dakota has state preemption of firearms laws. No political subdivision may enact any ordinance relating to the purchase, sale, ownership, transfer of ownership, possession, registration, or licensure of firearms and ammunition which is more restrictive than state law.[7]

Firearms manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are not liable for any injury suffered because of the use of a firearm by another. However, they may be sued for breach of contract or warranty, or for defects or negligence in design or manufacture.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "State Gun Laws: North Dakota", National Rifle Association – Institute for Legislative Action. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "North Dakota State Law Summary", Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  3. "North Dakota Attorney General – Concealed Weapons Permits". Ag.state.nd.us. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  4. North Dakota Concealed Weapons Permits manual
  5. North Dakota Concealed Carry CCW Laws and Information on carryconcealed.net
  6. "North Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Information on". Usacarry.com. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  7. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms – State Firearms Laws – North Dakota