Gun laws in the Northern Mariana Islands
Gun laws in the Northern Mariana Islands regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. As the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth of the United States, many U.S. federal laws apply, as well as Constitutional rulings and protections. [1][2]
Summary table
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit to purchase? | Yes | N/A | A license is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition but handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. | |
| Firearm registration? | Yes | Yes | All firearms must be registered with the Northern Mariana Islands Public Safety Department. | |
| Assault weapon law? | Yes | Yes | Assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles prohibited. | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | ||
| Owner license required? | Yes | N/A | A license is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition but handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. | |
| Carry permits issued? | No | No | The territory does not issue concealed carry permits. | |
| Open carry? | No | No | Open carry is prohibited. | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | Automatic firearms are prohibited. | |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | Federal law (FOPA) applies. |
Licensing process
There is a restrictive licensing process necessary in order to purchase a firearm in the Northern Mariana Islands. A person has to be 21 to get a weapons license along with several other requirements. A person who wants to obtain a license to possess a firearm must first apply for a license from the police to purchase a firearm. Following that process they must get subsequent police approval for the purchase of firearms and they can only purchase the types of firearms that they listed on their application. In order to purchase any other type of firearms they would have to get permission from the Department of Public Safety. The police must approve any transfer of a firearm between persons.[3] [4]
Prohibited firearms and ammunition
All firearms including automatic weapons, semi-automatic assault weapons, and handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. Civilians can only own .410 shotguns, .223 rifles, and .22 calibre rifles with a license. They also can only own ammunition for those types of firearms with a license and possession of any other type of ammunition, whether the person has a license or not, is illegal. [5]
References
- ↑ "Northern Mariana Islands", Handgunlaw.us. Retrieved August 07, 2014.
- ↑ "Northern Mariana Islands Gun Law Guide", Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Retrieved August 07, 2014.
- ↑ "Northern Mariana Islands — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law", Gunpolicy.org. Retrieved August 07, 2014.
- ↑ "DPS chief urges Legislature not to toy with gun law", Saipan Tribune. Retrieved August 07, 2014.
- ↑ "Northern Mariana Islands Law", Northern Mariana Islands Legislature, Firearms Law. Retrieved August 07, 2014.