Features > Gun Laws and Travel > Rhode Island Gun Laws and Travel Guide
Use caution while carrying in Rhode Island. Due to interesting laws, we'd recommend not stopping at all to be safe. Keep 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.
Rhode Island Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: prohibited
Concealed carry: issued on judgment, permits accepted from a few states if you are not stopping this state
Vehicle carry handguns: unloaded and cased in trunk or outside storage
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded and cased in trunk or outside storage
Official source information
Rhode Island Statutes
Rhode Island State Home Page