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A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Both state and federal laws govern the use of firearms. Here in Washington, most state firearms laws are found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 9.41, while many federal laws and regulations are listed in the United States Code. Although these two legal reference sources are informative, they are not all inclusive and additional firearms restrictions may apply in some cases.
One familiar example of additional firearms restrictions is in airports, where the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits carrying firearms in certain restricted areas on or about a person or accessible property (such as carry-on luggage). No private citizen, not even with a valid concealed pistol license, is exempt from this special restriction. Cities, counties and municipalities in Washington are prohibited from enacting firearms laws and ordinances unless such ordinances are specifically authorized by state law. For example, while you may be legally entitled to own a handgun and carry it with a concealed pistol permit, you may be prevented by county or municipal regulations from discharging that firearm for target practice in certain areas. Just as with firearms safety, it is your responsibility as a firearms owner to know applicable firearms laws and regulations. Although we cannot possibly list all firearms laws and regulations, the ones below are of general interest to all firearms owners.
Carrying handguns: Generally speaking, state law requires that you have a valid concealed pistol license before you can carry a handgun concealed on your person. However, the law does provide a number of exceptions, including: RCW 9.41.060 and 9.41.050. Persons on hunting, fishing or camping trips. Persons carrying pistols unloaded and secure wrappers.
Use or possession of firearms by minors: There are certain restrictions that apply to minors buying, owning, and possessing pistols or shotguns and rifles. These restrictions can be found in RCW 9.41.042, 9.41.240 and Chapter 44, Title 18, US Code.
Carrying firearms in restricted areas: Firearms may not be carried by individuals in any of the following places:
- Restricted areas of the jail
- Courtrooms
- Jury Rooms or Judge's Chambers
- Public Mental Health Facilities
- Bars or Cocktail Lounges
Shooting from public highways: It is a misdemeanor to aim any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or toward any human being. It is also against the law to discharge a firearm in a place where any person might be endangered thereby. (RCW 9.41.230)
Aliens must be licensed: Anyone who is not a citizen of the United States (or who has not declared his intention to become a citizen) is prevented from carrying or possessing any firearm without first obtaining an alien firearm license from the Director of Licensing. (RCW 9.41.170)
Loaded firearms in vehicles: You must have a license to carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle.
Pistols must be on the licensee's person, or the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there. If the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there. If the licensee is away from the vehicle, the pistol must be locked within the vehicle an concealed from view from outside the vehicle (RCW 6.41.050)
Shotguns/Rifles in or on motor vehicles must be unloaded. This means no shells or cartridges in the chamber or magazine. (RCW 77.16.250)
Unlawful possession of firearms: Certain persons are prevented by state and/or federal law from possessing firearms. Among those prohibited are persons who are drug addicts, habitual drunkards, persons of unsound mind, persons convicted in this state or elsewhere of any felony, serious offense, crime of violence, or certain offenses involving domestic violence. Unlawful possession of firearm is a felony. (RCW Chapter 9.41)
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