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Massachusetts Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)

Restricted: A visitor without a Massachusetts license may carry a firearm on their person in a vehicle only while lawfully traveling through the state, and it must stay in the vehicle.

RestrictedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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A visitor without a Massachusetts license may carry a firearm on their person in a vehicle only while lawfully traveling through the state, and it must stay in the vehicle. If it is not under your direct control, it must be in a locked glovebox, a locked console, or a locked trunk that cannot be reached from the passenger area; a locked car alone does not count. That is Massachusetts's own rule; the federal travel rule (18 U.S.C. 926A) does not accept a glove box or console. Going to work is not traveling through. State guidance says brief stops incidental to travel appear allowed if secured. Otherwise, carrying without a license is punished by 2.5 to 5 years in state prison or 18 months to 2.5 years in jail.

Official source: mass.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Transporting Firearms in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutConditional
A Connecticut permit is required for a handgun in a vehicle; out-of-state permits are not honored. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshirePermitted
In New Hampshire, anyone 18 or older who is not prohibited may carry a loaded handgun in a private vehicle without a license or permit.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: nhsp.dos.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkRestricted
A New York license is required to possess a handgun, so a visitor without one generally may not carry or transport one. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: troopers.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandRestricted
Without a Rhode Island permit, you may carry a handgun in a vehicle only on trips the law lists: store to home, home and work, to a dealer for sale, to a gunsmith, or to a buy-back site. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontPermitted
Vermont has no permit requirement and no general restriction on carrying a handgun in a private vehicle, for anyone who may lawfully possess one. The state rule on loaded guns in vehicles covers rifles and shotguns on a public highway and does not mention handguns. Firearms are still barred in places such as hospital buildings and school buildings.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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