Failing to follow gun laws in New York City, or the state of New York, can have severe consequences.
You must have a license for firearms in New York. There are several different firearms licenses in New York. A general license lets you carry it with you; some of them only allow you to use the gun in certain times and at certain places.
The licenses are:
You may get a pistol, a rifle, or a shotgun. Automatic weapons or weapons which can take more than ten rounds of ammunition are illegal in New York.
In NYC, the permit is issued by the NYPD License Division. You can apply online.
If you don’t have a general license and are simply taking the gun from the place where you bought it to the place or places where you are permitted to use it, then you may carry it for transport purposes only by placing it unloaded in a lockbox as far from the driver’s seat as possible. The trunk is usually safe. The glove compartment does not count.
You would also be wise to hold on to your receipt. If stopped and searched you can produce the receipt to show that you are merely transporting the gun.
All this assumes you have a New York State pistol permit. If you have an out-of-state permit you may transport the gun through the city but you must pass through the city only.
If you stop at a gas station, a hotel, or a restaurant and police catch you then you could be arrested.
This also assumes you have a car. If you are using public transportation, you need to have a proper cause permit before you could transport them loaded. If you don’t have such a permit and use public transportation, then you will need to place the gun in one lockbox, and the ammunition in a second lockbox. You will still need the appropriate permit for the gun.
Finally, keep in mind that there are places that you may not carry a gun, no matter what. This includes courthouses, certain governmental buildings, and all New York schools and colleges.
If you’re facing weapons charges, then you will need help. Contact our law office to schedule a consultation today.
See also:
Can You Stand Your Ground In New York City?