Visiting California?
Check out our traveler's guide quick-summary to California law, as the average traveler will need to know when visiting the Golden State. Leave your AR's and 10+ magazines at home!
Check out our traveler's guide quick-summary to California law, as the average traveler will need to know when visiting the Golden State. Leave your AR's and 10+ magazines at home!
Can I keep a loaded gun in my car without a permit?
Yes, for a loaded handgun. Not so for a loaded rifle or shotgun (NRS 503.165). Long-guns cannot have a cartridge in the firing chamber, but may have a loaded magazine in the weapon. Nevada has no laws prohibiting open carry or loaded carry of handguns. Without a law criminalizing something, it is legal to do that thing. (NRS 193.120).
Can I open carry a handgun in a car?
Yes. Your pistol can be holstered on you or can be visible on a seat, in the center console, in a cup holder or it can be placed out of sight in a glove box, case, or under the seat.
Does my gun have to be visible in my car?
No. Guns in cars may be anywhere; in the glove box, center console, map pocket, under the seat, in the trunk, in a cargo box, on the dash, in a cup holder, on the seat, in a gun case, in a purse, etc. The firearm does not have to be visible, except that concealed carry on the body (in a concealed holster or in a pocket) does require a permit. Open carry in a car is permissible. See the gallery below.
Yes, for a loaded handgun. Not so for a loaded rifle or shotgun (NRS 503.165). Long-guns cannot have a cartridge in the firing chamber, but may have a loaded magazine in the weapon. Nevada has no laws prohibiting open carry or loaded carry of handguns. Without a law criminalizing something, it is legal to do that thing. (NRS 193.120).
Can I open carry a handgun in a car?
Yes. Your pistol can be holstered on you or can be visible on a seat, in the center console, in a cup holder or it can be placed out of sight in a glove box, case, or under the seat.
Does my gun have to be visible in my car?
No. Guns in cars may be anywhere; in the glove box, center console, map pocket, under the seat, in the trunk, in a cargo box, on the dash, in a cup holder, on the seat, in a gun case, in a purse, etc. The firearm does not have to be visible, except that concealed carry on the body (in a concealed holster or in a pocket) does require a permit. Open carry in a car is permissible. See the gallery below.
How to Carry in a Car without Illegally Concealing
Can I carry a gun in my purse, in a bag, or in a gun case without a concealed firearm permit?
Yes. As long as the gun is not physically on your body, it is not considered a concealed weapon. A purse on the seat or floor would be perfectly legal. The Attorney General found in this opinion on what constitutes car carry. That firearm in a bag or case, carried in the hand or out of the vehicle on foot, would be considered a concealed firearm and would require a permit, although there is no known cases of prosecution for innocent transport (i.e. going to/from the range). Gun owner's guide to rights during police encounters.
Can police take my gun for officer safety if I get pulled over or detained?
Police may detain you if the officer encounters you under circumstances which reasonably indicate that you have committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime (NRS 171.123), or else he must release you if no probable cause for arrest appears after inquiry into the circumstances which prompted the detention. NRS 171.1231
A police officer who has legally detained you (reasonably suspects) reasonably believes that you are armed with a dangerous weapon and is a threat to the safety of the officer or another, the officer may search such you to the extent reasonably necessary to ascertain the presence of such weapon. If the search discloses a weapon or any evidence of a crime, such weapon or evidence may be seized (NRS 171.1232). It is assumed they have to give your weapon back if they release you for lack of probable cause and they have no probable cause that the weapon is stolen.
So I'm open carrying in my car. What if the something gets in the way? Does the officer have to be able to see my gun?
As long as the gun is carried in a manner that would be considered open carry if you got out of the car and stood up, it is legal. A gun that is hidden by the officer’s angle of view or a part of the vehicle (seat belts, center console, etc.) is not considered to be concealed. A gun in a car may be kept inside a bag, purse, or glove box or otherwise not visible as long as it is not concealed on the body (without a concealed firearm permit). See above gallery.
Can I carry concealed in my car?
Only if you have a concealed firearm permit. Please note that concealed carry is when the gun is physically on your body--not in a glove box or in a bag on the floor. Read this Attorney General's opinion on what constitutes car carry.
In Nevada, the car is not an extension of the home, as in some states, which use this reasoning to allow permitless concealed carry only in cars, but not on foot. Nevada technically requires a permit for concealed carry anywhere.
If the police pull me over, do I have to tell them there is a gun in the car?
No, Nevada has no ‘duty to inform’ law upon police detention; it is your discretion to inform the officer. Police do have a right to conduct a pat-down search and temporarily seize a weapon during a detention when they have probable cause to suspect a crime or a threat to their safety. But, if asked, licensed concealed carriers are required to present their concealed firearm permits to a peace officer while carrying concealed, but are not otherwise required to self-identify. This applies only when you are carrying concealed and again, only when asked.
However, for your safety, it is very important that you do not ever reach for the weapon, even innocently. If the officer asks where the firearm is, do not reach to show him, for example, by opening the glove box. Just tell the officer where the firearm is.
Don’t lie, don't argue, don't be rude. It will not help your situation or dispose the officer into doing you any favors. If you choose to reserve your rights, do so respectfully. Simply advise the officer that you won’t answer any questions (questions other than identifying yourself).
Yes. As long as the gun is not physically on your body, it is not considered a concealed weapon. A purse on the seat or floor would be perfectly legal. The Attorney General found in this opinion on what constitutes car carry. That firearm in a bag or case, carried in the hand or out of the vehicle on foot, would be considered a concealed firearm and would require a permit, although there is no known cases of prosecution for innocent transport (i.e. going to/from the range). Gun owner's guide to rights during police encounters.
Can police take my gun for officer safety if I get pulled over or detained?
Police may detain you if the officer encounters you under circumstances which reasonably indicate that you have committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime (NRS 171.123), or else he must release you if no probable cause for arrest appears after inquiry into the circumstances which prompted the detention. NRS 171.1231
A police officer who has legally detained you (reasonably suspects) reasonably believes that you are armed with a dangerous weapon and is a threat to the safety of the officer or another, the officer may search such you to the extent reasonably necessary to ascertain the presence of such weapon. If the search discloses a weapon or any evidence of a crime, such weapon or evidence may be seized (NRS 171.1232). It is assumed they have to give your weapon back if they release you for lack of probable cause and they have no probable cause that the weapon is stolen.
So I'm open carrying in my car. What if the something gets in the way? Does the officer have to be able to see my gun?
As long as the gun is carried in a manner that would be considered open carry if you got out of the car and stood up, it is legal. A gun that is hidden by the officer’s angle of view or a part of the vehicle (seat belts, center console, etc.) is not considered to be concealed. A gun in a car may be kept inside a bag, purse, or glove box or otherwise not visible as long as it is not concealed on the body (without a concealed firearm permit). See above gallery.
Can I carry concealed in my car?
Only if you have a concealed firearm permit. Please note that concealed carry is when the gun is physically on your body--not in a glove box or in a bag on the floor. Read this Attorney General's opinion on what constitutes car carry.
In Nevada, the car is not an extension of the home, as in some states, which use this reasoning to allow permitless concealed carry only in cars, but not on foot. Nevada technically requires a permit for concealed carry anywhere.
If the police pull me over, do I have to tell them there is a gun in the car?
No, Nevada has no ‘duty to inform’ law upon police detention; it is your discretion to inform the officer. Police do have a right to conduct a pat-down search and temporarily seize a weapon during a detention when they have probable cause to suspect a crime or a threat to their safety. But, if asked, licensed concealed carriers are required to present their concealed firearm permits to a peace officer while carrying concealed, but are not otherwise required to self-identify. This applies only when you are carrying concealed and again, only when asked.
However, for your safety, it is very important that you do not ever reach for the weapon, even innocently. If the officer asks where the firearm is, do not reach to show him, for example, by opening the glove box. Just tell the officer where the firearm is.
Don’t lie, don't argue, don't be rude. It will not help your situation or dispose the officer into doing you any favors. If you choose to reserve your rights, do so respectfully. Simply advise the officer that you won’t answer any questions (questions other than identifying yourself).
Does Nevada have a law that protects me if I keep a gun in my car at my workplace?
No. Employers and private property owners may enforce their own internal regulations regarding firearms and you may face discipline, including termination, for breaking their rules. Nevada Carry recommends that a weapon in a vehicle be kept within a locked container or compartment when unattended or children are present. Firearms should always be under the direct physical control of their owner when not locked away. If you choose to carry a firearm concealed on your person against your employer's rules, make sure it is totally concealed and no one knows about it.
Can I keep my gun in my car at a school?
No. Guns are totally prohibited at all public schools, college and universities, and public child care facilities, even in the parking lot, without prior written permission (which is seldom granted).
Will North Las Vegas Police arrest me for having a gun my car?
No! Enhanced preemption nullified the obsolete ordinance. An arrest is highly unlikely.
Can I have a rifle/shotgun rack in my vehicle like in a police car?
Yes, however consider installing a locking model in a location not visible to the outside. Long-guns cannot have a cartridge in the firing chamber, but may have a loaded magazine in the weapon. (NRS 503.165)
No. Employers and private property owners may enforce their own internal regulations regarding firearms and you may face discipline, including termination, for breaking their rules. Nevada Carry recommends that a weapon in a vehicle be kept within a locked container or compartment when unattended or children are present. Firearms should always be under the direct physical control of their owner when not locked away. If you choose to carry a firearm concealed on your person against your employer's rules, make sure it is totally concealed and no one knows about it.
Can I keep my gun in my car at a school?
No. Guns are totally prohibited at all public schools, college and universities, and public child care facilities, even in the parking lot, without prior written permission (which is seldom granted).
Will North Las Vegas Police arrest me for having a gun my car?
No! Enhanced preemption nullified the obsolete ordinance. An arrest is highly unlikely.
Can I have a rifle/shotgun rack in my vehicle like in a police car?
Yes, however consider installing a locking model in a location not visible to the outside. Long-guns cannot have a cartridge in the firing chamber, but may have a loaded magazine in the weapon. (NRS 503.165)
Federally Prohibited Places
Firearms in vehicles, loaded or unloaded, or concealed or openly carried, are prohibited in the following places
National Parks
Section 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 (and 54 USC § 104906) changed federal law to make park firearm regulations reflect state law. Typically, the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws. If it is legal elsewhere in the state, it is legal in the park and sections that conflict with state law regarding carrying and possessing firearms (but not shooting bans) do not apply. So though on National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.) carrying a firearm or possessing loaded firearms are prohibited in vehicles (unless one has a special park permit, usually for hunting), this does not apply if the state allows open and/or concealed carry, or loaded/unloaded firearms in vehicles.
The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. NPS pamphlet here. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.
Red Rock National Conservation Area is an exception and does not allow loaded firearms (no magazine/clip inserted, no rounds attached to the weapon or in the chamber). It is not a part of the National Park System and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. See the supplemental rules section regarding weapons only here. National Forest lands in Nevada have no ban on the carry of firearms.
- On military bases (military personnel should refer to DoD policy and post orders);
- Post Office property including in a car in the parking lot, 39 CFR 232.1(l);
- VA hospitals/facilities including federal veterans' cemeteries (carrying) 38 CFR 1.218 (13).
National Parks
Section 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 (and 54 USC § 104906) changed federal law to make park firearm regulations reflect state law. Typically, the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws. If it is legal elsewhere in the state, it is legal in the park and sections that conflict with state law regarding carrying and possessing firearms (but not shooting bans) do not apply. So though on National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.) carrying a firearm or possessing loaded firearms are prohibited in vehicles (unless one has a special park permit, usually for hunting), this does not apply if the state allows open and/or concealed carry, or loaded/unloaded firearms in vehicles.
The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. NPS pamphlet here. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.
Red Rock National Conservation Area is an exception and does not allow loaded firearms (no magazine/clip inserted, no rounds attached to the weapon or in the chamber). It is not a part of the National Park System and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. See the supplemental rules section regarding weapons only here. National Forest lands in Nevada have no ban on the carry of firearms.
