Las Vegas Gun Laws for Tourists: What You Can (and Can’t) Do While Visiting
As a popular tourist destination, Las Vegas draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, and you plan to bring along a firearm, it is crucial to understand the applicable gun laws. With that in mind, the attorneys at The Vegas Lawyers explain the Las Vegas gun laws for tourists. If you have additional questions or concerns about what you can and cannot do with your gun while visiting Las Vegas, contact The Vegas Lawyers today by calling (725) 217-4768 to schedule your free consultation.
Nevada Gun Law Basics: Understanding “Open Carry”
Along with the right to bear arms found in the U.S. Constitution, the Nevada State Constitution grants every citizen the “right to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use and for other lawful purposes.” Nevada is referred to as an “open carry” state, meaning that you are not required to obtain a permit or go through a registration process if you wish to have a gun that is “openly visible.” In practical terms, this means that if you meet the age requirements (18 for long guns and 21 for handguns or semiautomatic long guns), you can carry a handgun on your person in an openly visible holster or carry a long gun dangling from your shoulder or across your back provided it is visible. The “open carry” law applies to both residents and visitors in Nevada.
Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Las Vegas?
While you can openly carry a handgun or long gun in Las Vegas with few restrictions, carrying a concealed firearm is another story. Nevada law considers a firearm to be “concealed” if it is “carried upon a person in such a manner as not to be discernible by ordinary observation.” The concealed carry laws apply both to firearms carried directly on your person and those carried in a container, such as in a purse, backpack, or briefcase.
To carry a concealed firearm in Las Vegas, you must have a concealed carry permit. To qualify for a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit, you must be 21 years of age or older (18 if you are active military or have received an honorable discharge), be able to lawfully possess a firearm, and successfully complete an approved firearms course taught by a certified Nevada CCW instructor inside the state of Nevada. As an out-of-state resident, you can apply for a permit in the county where you completed the required training. Alternatively, Nevada does grant reciprocity to numerous states, allowing you to carry a concealed firearm in Nevada if you have a valid permit from one of the reciprocal states. Because the reciprocity rules and procedures are subject to change, check with an attorney before relying on an out-of-state permit to carry a concealed firearm in Las Vegas.
Finally, even with a valid concealed carry permit from Nevada or a reciprocal state, there are places where you cannot carry a concealed firearm, such as:
- University dormitories or halls of residence.
- Public or primary schools (including school activities off premises).
- School buses, vans, or other methods of student transportation.
- Buildings that are used for the care of children.
- Government veterans’ residences.
- Prison premises and juvenile facilities.
- Anywhere with a sign prohibiting the use of firearms.
Las Vegas Gun Laws for Tourists Traveling through the State
Understanding the Las Vegas guns laws for tourists traveling through the state is also crucial if you plan to have a firearm in your vehicle. Although you can openly carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in your vehicle as well as an unloaded long gun, Nevada law makes it illegal to carry a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun in or on any vehicle. A CCW permit is also required to carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle whether it is loaded or unloaded.
Contact A Las Vegas Gun Laws Attorney at The Vegas Lawyers
If you have additional questions or concerns about Las Vegas gun laws for tourists, consult with an experienced Las Vegas gun laws attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and defenses. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.