Features > Gun Laws and Travel > North Dakota Gun Laws and Travel Guide
North Dakota is gun friendly but a mix of laws. 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 Dakota Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: local laws
Self-defense: castle doctrine
Open carry: prohibited other than hunting and target shooting
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits accepted from a few other states
Vehicle carry handguns: unloaded and open view in daytime, hidden if cased in trunk or outside storage all hours
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded in vehicle
Official source information
North Dakota Code 62.1-0403
North Dakota Statutes
North Dakota Legislature
State Firearms Association
North Dakota State Home Page