Simply put, it is perfectly legal to carry a handgun, rifle, or any legal firearm in Nevada, unless you have a prior criminal conviction or are otherwise disqualified from doing so. With a weapons permit, you have the ability to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Nevada. That being said, there are some limitations as to when and where you are allowed to possess a gun in Nevada. Violations of these limitations can result in prison time and a significant monetary fine. Gun law violations are taken seriously in Nevada, particularly after the 2017 incident in which a gunman killed 58 people on the Las Vegas Strip during a music festival.
Nevada’s Gun Laws
There are no laws on the books that prohibit the open carry of firearms in the state of Nevada. In 2016, state legislators passed laws that prohibited any local city as well as county governments from adopting ordinances against the open carry of firearms. Notably, there also is no state law that mandates the registration of a firearm.
Carrying a holstered handgun, typically on the hip or leg, that is not concealed by clothing or carrying a shotgun or rifle, typically slung across the shoulder, is considered “open carry.” As long as an individual has a valid concealed carry permit, regulated by NRS 202.3653, that person can carry a gun concealed on the body by being hidden by clothing or carried in a purse or bag legally throughout the state of Nevada. A person seeking a concealed weapon permit in Nevada must be at least 21 years of age, complete an approved firearms course, and not be otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. Concealing a firearm in Nevada without a valid concealed weapons permit is a Category C felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and between one and five years in prison.
Where Guns are Prohibited
There are certain places where it is prohibited to have a gun in Nevada, including:
- Childcare facilities;
- Public schools, including universities and colleges;
- Law enforcement agency facilities;
- Courtrooms and courthouses; and
- Legislative buildings.
Moreover, federal law prohibits guns at the following places:
- Federal courthouses;
- Social security offices;
- Post offices;
- Military bases;
- VA facilities, including hospitals and clinics; and
- Airports beyond TSA checkpoints.
Additionally, two federal properties near Las Vegas have express regulations regarding firearms:
- Hoover Dam does not allow firearms (loaded or unloaded); and
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area does not allow loaded firearms.
The owners and operators of private businesses like restaurants, casinos, offices, and stores can ask customers to leave or remove their weapon from the property. If a customer refuses, he or she may be charged with trespassing. According to the Nevada Carry organization, however, the majority of Nevada businesses are friendly to firearms.
Your Legal Questions Answered
Simply put, firearms are not prohibited in Nevada unless you are not licensed to have one. If you are charged with a crime for illegally carrying a firearm, contact a criminal attorney right away.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere else in Nevada due to the fault of another, contact the courtroom proven lawyers at H&P Law. Schedule your initial case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys today.
