Open Carry in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has no separate open-carry permit; carrying a firearm outside the home or business requires a Massachusetts license to carry (or a firearm identification card for non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns), and the statutes reviewed do not distinguish open from concealed carry. Carry is barred in prohibited areas such as schools and colleges, government administration and court buildings, and polling places.

A license or card is required to have a firearm under one's control in a vehicle (c. 269, §10(a)). A licensed person carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle must keep it under his or her direct control ($500 fine). A large-capacity rifle or shotgun must be unloaded and secured in a locked container in a vehicle ($500-$5,000 fine). Possessing a firearm in a vehicle in a prohibited area (such as a government building parking area) is a defense if the licensed person securely stored it in the vehicle as required.

Even with a license, carrying a firearm is banned in any building or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school, college or university (including student transport) without written authorization from the school (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 2 years). Possessing a firearm is also banned in 'prohibited areas': places owned, leased or controlled by state, county or municipal government and used for government administration, court proceedings or correctional services, including their grounds and parking areas (municipalities may vote to exclude their administrative buildings; state hunting land is excluded), and ballot storage or tabulation sites while in use, polling places and early voting sites while open, and within 150 feet of the polling place entrance (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 2 1/2 years).