Nevada Gun Laws in Cars – A Breakdown of The Rules

Posted on April 15, 2023

Nevada gun laws generally allow you to openly carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in your vehicle. You may also openly display unloaded shotguns and rifles. Their magazines can be loaded, but no cartridge may be in the firing chamber.

Meanwhile, you need a current and valid CCW permit to carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle, whether loaded or not.¹ As for long guns, no permit is necessary to transport concealed long guns. Though they must be unloaded and ideally stored in a locked case.

Scroll down for more information about when and where you may carry guns in your vehicles in Nevada:

Can I drive without my guns being visible in Nevada?

To carry a concealed gun in a car, you need a current and valid permit for carrying concealed weapons (CCW). Though you do not need a concealed carry permit to keep your loaded handguns out of plain view somewhere in the car, such as

• the glove box,
• the trunk,
• the center console,
• a cup holder,
• under the seat, or
• under a blanket on the backseat or passenger seat.

It is still considered open carry even if the seat belt is partly covering the gun.

If the gun is hidden in a purse, backpack, bag, or piece of luggage, you do not need a CCW permit to keep it in the car. Though if you carry the purse, etc., then a CCW permit is required. Under Nevada law, a car is not considered an extension of the home like it is in some other states.

Carrying a concealed firearm without a current and valid CCW permit is a category C felony in Nevada. The penalty includes:

• one (1) to five (5) years in Nevada State Prison, and
• $10,000 in fines²

Nevada is largely an open carry state, and you do not need Nevada permits to open carry. Learn more about background checks and reciprocity for concealed firearm permits (which currently includes Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and more).

What if a policeman pulls me over?

If you are pulled over in Nevada, you have no duty to inform the police if there is a gun in the car. However, police may be able to perform a pat-down and seize a gun temporarily if the officer believes a crime has been committed or the officer’s safety is threatened.³

Note that as a CCW permit holder, you are required to show your permit if:

• you are carrying concealed, and
• the officer asks whether you are carrying concealed.⁴

You may drive with loaded pistols and revolvers in your car in Nevada.

Can I have a gun in a company car in Nevada?

Private employers have their own rules about whether they allow guns on the premises, including in vehicles. If you are an employee who violates these rules, you may not necessarily face criminal charges. Though the company may discipline you or terminate your employment.

Either way, if you travel with guns in your vehicle, you are encouraged to keep them in a locked compartment not visible to others and out of reach of children.

Can I drive to school with a gun in my vehicle?

Nevada law prohibits guns, deadly weapons, and dangerous weapons at

• public schools,
• colleges, and
• child care facilities (with rare exceptions).

These locations are off-limits even if the guns are safely locked in a case in the car. It does not matter whether the gun is loaded or unloaded.

Violating this law is a gross misdemeanor charge, carrying:

• up to $2,000 in fines, and/or
• up to 364 days in jail.⁵

Other locations where guns are unlawful include

• post offices,
• federal facilities,
• VA facilities,
• legislative buildings,
• airport secure areas,
• airplanes, and
• Hoover Dam.⁶

Loaded handguns and loaded rifles are not allowed at Red Rock – magazines and clips cannot be inserted in the firearm, and rounds cannot be attached to the firearm.

Who cannot drive with guns in Nevada?

The following people are prohibited from possessing firearms or being gun owners. It does not matter if the firearm is loaded, and it does not matter whether you are in a motor vehicle or not:

• Convicted felons
• People convicted of domestic violence
• People convicted of stalking a family member or intimate partner
• People prohibited from having firearms according to a domestic violence restraining order
• Fugitives
• Drug users or addicts
• Anyone adjudicated mentally ill or committed to a mental health facility by a judge
• People found not guilty due to insanity
• People who pleaded – or were found – guilty but mentally ill
• Dishonorably discharged veterans
• Undocumented aliens
• People with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher

Note that minors under 18 years old usually may not carry loaded guns without supervision.⁷

Does Nevada have a preemption law?

Yes. Nevada state gun laws preempt local laws.

However, localities such as counties, townships, and cities can legally regulate the “unlawful discharge” of guns, gun carry by on-duty public employees, and zoning of gun stores and shooting ranges via general rules that apply to businesses.⁸

Helpful links

• Nevada Attorney General
• Nevada Legislature
• Nevada peace officer and sheriff departments
• Clark County Shooting Complex (rules for firearm safety and discharge of firearms)
• United States ATF (a federal law enforcement agency)
• Second Amendment (right to bear arms)

Legal References

About the Author

Neil Shouse

A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.