New Jersey gun laws
Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.
Carry
- Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
- A permit to carry is required.
- Open carry: Not allowed. Carrying a handgun openly in public is a crime even with a permit to carry (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.5(b)). Concealed carry requires a permit and a holster that covers the trigger. Source
- Permits: New Jersey permit guide
Vehicle transport
Not confirmed. Check with New Jersey State Police (non-residents); local police chief (residents).
Places where carry is banned
N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.6 lists many sensitive places where carry is barred. Parts, including 4.6(a)(23), (a)(24) as to private property open to the public, and (b)(1), were enjoined and remain under appeal, per NJSP (last reviewed Dec 2025). Source
Magazines and assault weapons
- Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 10 rounds
- Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer
Duty to inform
Yes. A permit holder stopped or detained while carrying, or with a handgun in the vehicle, must immediately disclose it and show the permit (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.4(b)). Source
Stand your ground and castle doctrine
Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with New Jersey State Police (non-residents); local police chief (residents).
Red-flag law
Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.
Reciprocity
New Jersey does not recognize any other state's permit.
Does not honor other states' permits.
Sources
Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.