Features > Gun Laws and Travel > North Carolina Gun Laws and Travel Guide
North Carolina is still gun friendly. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print new 2013 version with all states and details.
North Carolina Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, permit or license required for handguns
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: mostly unrestricted
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits accepted from a few other states
Vehicle carry handguns: loaded secured in holsters and openly in vehicle
Vehicle carry long guns: loaded secured and open in vehicle
North Carolina Statutes 14
Concealed Handgun Permit
North Carolina Statutes
North Carolina Legislature