By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 09, 2021
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There are minimal federal regulations on gun purchases and ownership (see the ATF's explanation of the National Firearms Act), as most gun control laws are enforced at the state level. This is a hotly debated topic in the U.S., often pitting public safety concerns against federal constitutional rights.
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution originally protected the rights of citizens to defend themselves against an invading army. It has since been interpreted much more broadly to include general protection.
State gun control laws vary by state and by region, often along ideological lines. While some states require gun purchasers to wait a certain period of time before taking ownership of a gun, other states have as few restrictions as is federally allowed.
A summary of Rhode Island's gun control laws is in the table below.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
State of Rhode Island General Laws, Title 11, Chapter 47, Sections 11-47-1 through 11-47-63
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following items are illegal in Rhode Island:
|
Waiting Period |
Rhode Island requires a 7-day waiting period between the application to purchase a firearm and delivery of the firearm to the purchaser. |
Who May Not Own |
In Rhode Island, it is illegal to own or possess if a person:
|
License Required? |
A license is not required to own a firearm. However, a safety certificate from the Department of Environmental Management is required to purchase a handgun. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
A concealed carry license is required to carry a concealed handgun in Rhode Island. |
Open Carry Allowed? |
Open carry is prohibited without a permit. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
To be eligible for a license to carry, a person must be:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
Rhode Island law generally prohibits the possession of machine guns. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
Rhode Island has extensive gun control laws, and the penalties for violations vary. Common offenses and punishments are:
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
Possessing a firearm on school grounds is punishable by imprisonment for 1 to 5 years and a fine of $500 to $5,000. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Are you facing a criminal charge for illegal gun possession? Do you have questions about your eligibility to own a gun? An attorney licensed in Rhode Island can answer these questions and more.
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