North Dakota is a concealed carry state, meaning anyone of legal standing has a right to carry a concealed firearm. However, gun owners should be aware that there are several limitations to the law.

For instance, it is a violation of law to carry a loaded firearm. A loaded firearm is defined differently for a semi-automatic handgun versus a revolver. A revolver is considered loaded if any round is in any location in the cylinder. A fully loaded magazine can be carried inserted in a semi-automatic handgun as long as no live round is loaded into the chamber.

Being in possession of a loaded firearm is a misdemeanor B which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,500, or both. The penalty also applies to long guns such as rifles and shotguns.

It is illegal to carry firearms or other dangerous weapons at a public gathering. Minot’s Code of Ordinances, which mirrors the North Dakota Century Code, defines “public gathering” as an athletic or sporting event, a school, a church, and a publicly owned or operated building.

State law says no one under age 18 is allowed to carry a concealed weapon. Nor is anyone convicted of a felony offense involving violence or intimidation for a period of 10 years after the date of conviction or release from incarceration, parole or probation. State law also prohibits the keeping or carrying of a loaded firearm in or on any motor vehicle, including off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles.

Public and private employers cannot “Prohibit any customer, employee, or invitee from possessing any legally owned firearm, if the firearm is lawfully possessed and locked inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot and if the customer, employee, or invitee is lawfully in the area.” However, it is illegal to have a firearm on “Any public or nonpublic elementary school, middle school, or high school property.”

Anyone with questions regarding the carrying of concealed weapons can find additional information by accessing the North Dakota Century Code or the Code of Ordinances on the City of Minot website.

Minot Code of Ordinances

A loaded firearm means the chamber of the firearm contains a loaded shell. If the firearm is a revolver, it is considered a “loaded firearm” if any one of the chambers in the cylinder contains a loaded shell.