Gun laws in Alabama
Gun laws in Alabama regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of Alabama in the United States.[1][2][3]
| 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 | Alabama is a shall issue state for concealed carry. However, the issuing county sheriff can suspend or even revoke concealed carry privileges for wanton disregard of the law.[4] | |
| Open carry permitted? | Yes | Yes | Open carry is generally permitted, but handgun must be securely contained in a holster. However, open carry in a vehicle without a concealed carry license is prohibited. As of August 1, 2013, the law states that: "It shall be a rebuttable presumption that the mere carrying of a visible pistol, holstered or secured, in public place, in and of itself, is not disorderly conduct." | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | "The entire matter of handguns is reserved to the state legislature." | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | Any Other Weapons (AOWs) disguised as walking canes are the only illegal firearms in Alabama. | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No |
The Constitution of Alabama provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the State. The State preempts local regulation of firearms. The firearm preemption statute reads "The purpose of this section is to establish within the Legislature complete control over regulation and policy pertaining to firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories in order to ensure that such regulation and policy is applied uniformly throughout this state to each person subject to the state's jurisdiction and to ensure protection of the right to keep and bear arms recognized by the Constitutions of the State of Alabama and the United States." Localities may regulate the discharge of firearms and levy taxes.[1][2] On April 21, 2010, Gov. Bob Riley signed House Bill 2 into law as Act 2010-496 amending Ala. §13A-11-63, to allow civilian ownership of short-barrel rifles and short-barrel shotguns, as allowed by federal law.[5] The only firearms known to be prohibited are those disguised as walking canes.
Licensed dealers are required to process background checks through the FBI prior to completing a sale. Licensed dealers must keep a record of every handgun sold, including the purchaser's signature and particular information about the firearm being sold. Private sales of handguns and long guns are legal and no background check is required; however, it is unlawful to sell a firearm to a prohibited person.[1][2]
Firearms are prohibited from certain places, including demonstrations. Firearms are prohibited on the premises of public schools only by persons with intent to do bodily harm. Open carry on foot is generally allowed without a license, withstanding other applicable laws. As of Aug. 1, 2013, transportation of a handgun in a vehicle is allowed without an Alabama Pistol Permit if you are legally permitted to possess the handgun. Carrying a handgun on premises that are not owned or under the control of the possessor is prohibited unless the person has a valid concealed handgun license.[1][2]
Alabama shall issue a license, unlimited, to applicants who are residents of the county in which they apply, who do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions, who are suitable persons. All Alabama county sheriffs, as of 2013, issue licenses to all "suitable persons."[6] The law requires applicants to be residents, so they do not issue licenses to non-residents. The license is valid to carry a handgun in a vehicle or concealed on or about one's person within the State. Licenses are valid for up to five years at a time.[1][2] Alabama honors licenses issued by any state that also honors Alabama's licenses, provided that the license holder is not a resident of Alabama.[7]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence – Alabama State Law Summary
- 1 2 3 4 5 NRA-ILA State Gun Laws – Alabama
- ↑ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives - State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms
- ↑ Kirby, Brendan (August 4, 2014). "Alabama Has One Concealed-Carry Permit Law, 67 Ways to Apply It", AL.com. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
- ↑ Act 2010-496
- ↑ Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Information on USACarry.com
- ↑ "Alabama Reciprocal Gun Law", Conceal Carry HQ, July 19, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.