Massachusetts Gun Laws

Massachusetts

Massachusetts' Gun Laws follow the "May-Issue" policy, leaving the Issuance of Licenses to Carry or LTC to the discretion of the issuing officer at the local police station for residents and the State Police Firearms Records Bureau for non-residents. The gun laws of the state are relatively restrictive. One, issuing authorities require to justify the need for a firearm. Second, purchasing of firearms require a Firearm Identification Card (FID), along with background checks that are submitted to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, who maintains comprehensive records of all sales and transfers concerning weapons and ammunition.

The issues two types of licenses: Class B and Class A LTC. Class B license allows any person to open carry a firearm; however, it is limited to non-large capacity firearms. Meanwhile, Class A LTC is issued to individuals who wish to carry concealed firearms. Both residents and non-residents are allowed to apply for a Class A LTC, as long as they are at least 21-years-old and completed the required state-approved firearms training course. Massachusetts does not honor permits issued by any other states. 

Massachusetts LTC Process

Minimum Requirements:

  • You must be at least 21-years-old to apply.
  • A U.S. citizen or legal alien.
  • You must be a suitable person to be issued such license and have good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property; or
  • For other reasons, such as for use in sport or target practice only.
  • You must complete the state-approved firearms training course.
  • Not have been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child
  • Not have been committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, unless after five years the applicant submits an affidavit from a registered physician endorsing his/her ability to possess a firearm.
  • Not be subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for an incapacitated person on the grounds that the applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the applicant’s affairs.
  • Not be subject to a temporary or emergency restraining order or order of protection.
  • No outstanding warrants.
  • Never been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States for reasons that fall under dishonorable conditions.
  • Not be a fugitive from justice
  • Meet the Federal Law requirements.

For residents looking to obtain a Massachusetts LTC license, please follow these steps:

  • Finish the firearms training course
  • Download and complete the application form and include the following documents:
    1. Completed Application
    2. Certificate of Massachusetts firearm safety course 
    3. Proof of residence
    4. Fingerprint cards
    5. A form of ID
    6. Application Fee
  • Submit the application to your local police station in the town of your residence.
  • You will be notified by your local licensing officer about the status of your application, either by mail or telephone. Licenses are only scheduled for in-person pick-up. 

For non-residents, to obtain a Massachusetts LTC license, please follow these steps:

  • Finish the firearms training course 
  • Complete the non-resident’s application while attaching the following documents: 
    1. The required application fee
    2. Certificate of Firearms safety course
  • You are required to process your application in-person and present your Visa or a copy of the immigration card.
  • The non-resident application to the firearms Record bureau.

 

Resident License Renewal Process:

License renewal for residents is processed through the local police station in the where you reside. Submit your renewal application before the expiration date. Applicants who've submitted their application before the expiration date are granted an indefinite grace period until your renewal is either approved or denied by the licensing authority. However, if you failed to submit your renewal application before the expiration of your license, it is deemed permanently expired, and the need to apply for a new FID or LTC is required.

Steps to process your renewal application:

  • Submit the completed Resident Firearms License Application.
  • Include the required application fee.
  • The licensing authority might need you to submit the following documents as well:
    • Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course
    • A form of ID
    • Proof of residence
  • Mail the renewal application package to your local licensing authority.
  • You will be notified within 60 days about the status of your application.

Non-Resident or Resident Alien Renewal Process:

Non-resident licenses expire one year after the issuing date. For resident alien licenses, expiration is every December 31st in the year of application. Both licenses MUST be renewed annually to the Firearms Record Bureau, with no grace period.

Steps to process your non-resident/resident alien renewal:

  • Submit the completed Non-Resident/Resident Alien License Application
  • Include the required application fee
  • Include the following documents:
    • Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
    • A form of ID
    • Proof of residence
  • Mail your renewal package to the Firearms Records Bureau:
    • Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
      Firearms Records Bureau
      200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
      Chelsea, MA 02150 

Here is the summary of all the license fees:

Application Conditions 

Original

Renewal

License to carry firearms

$100

$100

Resident alien permit

$100

$100

License to carry firearms (retired law enforcement officers)

$25

$25

Firearms identification card

$100

$100

Firearms identification card (if under 18 years old)

$25

$25

Non-resident firearms license 

$100

$100



Massachusetts

Must Notify Officer

No - Must Notify Officer

On contact by law, the Massachusetts Gun Laws did not state you must inform a law enforcement officer if carrying a firearm. The law does not require you to carry your permit or produce the license if requested.

No Weapons Allowed

No - "No Weapons Allowed"

The State did not say anything concerning the adherence to "No Weapons Allowed" posting placed by any private property or business. Therefore, they have no force of law and no legal penalties, unless entering in areas imposed as off-limits.

Massachusetts Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation

Purchase and Possession

PURCHASE

The purchase of any rifle, shotgun, handgun, ammunition, large capacity firearm or feeding device shall be carefully monitored through a series of cards and licenses.  The correct corresponding card and/or license must be obtained for the purchase or transfer of a particular firearm, feeding device or ammunition.  It is illegal to sell or transfer such items without the proper card, license, or permit.  (See Possession for instructions on obtaining cards, licenses, and permits).

No person possessing an alien or non-resident class A or class B temporary license for firearms carry may use it to purchase a handgun, ammunition or feeding device.

Any individual over the age of 70 is exempt from all fees for renewal of licenses. 

No private individual may sell more than four firearms, whether rifle, shotgun, or handgun per year unless sold to a licensed firearms dealer.  Both parties must be properly licensed to possess these firearms.  Within seven days of the sale both the seller and purchaser must file a report of sale with the Executive Director of the Criminal History Systems Board.  Required details including the caliber, make and serial number of the firearm, as well as the buyer’s FID, license or permit number, and details pertaining to the purchaser must be reported on a form provided by the Executive Director.

No assault weapon or large capacity ammunition feeding device may be sold, transferred, or possessed unless it was lawfully possessed on or before September 13, 1994.

No dealer may lawfully sell or transfer a handgun made of metal that has a melting temperature less than 900 degrees F, or a tensile strength of less than 55,000 lbs. per square inch.  Further, the density of metal must not be less than 7.5 grams per cubic centimeter unless it can pass a performance test.  Firearms dealers may not lawfully sell or transfer any handgun considered unsafe, or that has a barrel less than three inches, unless it is accompanied with a notice in writing that testifies to its accuracy.

A gun dealer must post a sign that states, “It is unlawful to store or keep a firearm, rifle, shotgun or machine gun in any place unless that weapon is equipped with a tamper-resistant safety device, or is stored or kept in a securely locked container.”  This written warning must be presented to every purchaser or transferee of a firearm.


POSSESSION

All firearms and feeding devices used for firearms are divided into classes.   A FID card or “card”, class A license or class B license is required for the possession, purchase, or carry of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm feeding device, or large capacity feeding device.1 A FID or class A or class B license is required in all areas including a person’s residence or place of business.

The purchase or carry of a non-large capacity rifle or shotgun as well as any feeding device and ammunition for such, requires a FID2.  The police chief of a jurisdiction where an applicant resides or has a place of business shall issue the card unless the applicant has:

·      been disqualified for a conviction or has committed a juvenile offense that would disqualify him/her if committed by an adult;
·      been committed to a mental health facility for mental illness or treated in an inpatient facility for drug or alcohol addiction;
·      is a fugitive from justice;
·      is under a domestic order of protection;
·      is an alien;
·      is under the age of 15, or if over the age of 15 and under 18, does not have permission from a parent or legal guardian. 

The card shall be issued within 40 days of application and there will be no other condition prescribed by the issuing authority.  If no issuing authority exists, the colonel of the state police shall issue the FID card.

A class A license holder may possess a large capacity firearm (handgun, rifle, or shotgun) at any gun club where a class A license has been issued, or at an incorporated shooting club, or licensed shooting range if under the direct supervision of a holder of a class A license.

A FID card holder may possess a non-large capacity handgun or a large capacity rifle or shotgun at any gun club where a class A license has been issued or under the direct supervision of a person who possesses a class A or class B license at an incorporated shooting club or a shooting range that is licensed.

In order to possess, purchase, or carry a large capacity firearm (handgun, rifle, or shotgun), large capacity ammunition feeding device or ammunition for such a device, a class A carry license is required.  This shall be issued for individuals 21 years of age and older, eligible for a FID card, who demonstrate they are suitable persons and have good reason to carry a large capacity firearm, whether for sport or target practice, or fear of injury to self or property by another.   The license may come with restrictions placed upon it.

An individual may carry any non-large capacity handgun and any large or non-large rifle or shotgun, and feeding device or ammunition for such a device, with a class A or class B carry license.  A large-capacity handgun may be possessed if the user holds a class B carry license and uses the handgun at a club with a class A license, or operates the firearm under the direction of an individual holding a class A license at an incorporated shooting club or licensed shooting range.  The requirements for this license are the same as those for a class A license.  The class B license may contain some restrictions and shall be issued or denied within 40 days of application.

In order to possess, purchase, or transfer a non-large capacity rifle and shotgun, either a class A or class B license can be used.

Any applicant for a card or license must allow a set of fingerprint s to be taken and must submit a basic firearms safety certificate to the colonel of state police if he/she did not possess a card or license on or before June 1, 1998. The FID card or license shall be valid for a period of not more than six years for a fee of $100.  The fee for renewal of a card or license shall be $100.  The possessor of a card or license must notify by certified mail, the new chief of police of the city of residence and the executive director of the Criminal History Systems Board of any change of address within 30 days of that change.  Judicial review may be obtained by filing a request in district court within 90 days of any denial, revocation, suspension, or failure to act.

For purposes of competition, the colonel of the state police “may” issue a class A or class B temporary license to any alien, resident, or nonresident.  This shall be subject to any terms or conditions placed on the license.  The temporary license shall be valid for a period of one year for a fee of $100.

A FID or license must be obtained for any person who inherits a rifle, shotgun, or handgun within 180 days of possession, in order to retain possession of the firearm.

Under the following conditions, a FID or license is not required: While temporarily holding or firing a handgun under the direction of an individual who possesses a license to carry, or a shotgun or rifle under the supervision of a FID holder, or in instances where holding or firing the handgun is done for a lawful purpose.

·      While under the direction of a person holding a valid FID, or license to carry, if a minor under age 15, or if for purposes of hunting or target shooting with a rifle or shotgun.
·      While in possession by a registered veterans organization and members thereof, while engaged in ceremonial duties.
·      While in possession by any museum, institutional collection for public viewing, or historical society, if secured and unloaded.
·      While in possession by any employee of a federally licensed manufacturer or dealer in the course of their duties to display, test, or store firearms.
·      While in possession by any new resident of the state of Massachusetts, a returning resident who has not been out of the state for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, or persons newly released from active military duty who reside in the state for sixty days following release, return, or re-entry. 

This exception is applicable to firearms for possession, not carrying purposes during the 60-day period.

Carrying a Firearm

Handguns, including large capacity handguns may be carried with a class A license, if for lawful purposes.  This shall be subject to restrictions involving possession, use or carrying, in accordance with licensing authority guidelines.  Rifles or shotguns, including large capacity rifles and shotguns shall be used for lawful purposes under a class A license and subject to restrictions involving possession and carry imposed by the licensing authority. 

A loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle if it is under the direct control of a class A license holder, unless it is a large capacity rifle or shotgun.  These firearms must be carried in a locked trunk unloaded, or in a locked case or container that is secure.

Non-large capacity handguns may be carried with a class B license if for lawful purposes and subject to restrictions involving possession, use, or carry by the licensing authority.  A class B license does not allow for the concealed carry or concealed possession of a loaded firearm.  No firearm may be carried, loaded in a vehicle, with a class B license either.  All firearms must be carried by a class B holder in the locked trunk of a vehicle, or secure container, unloaded.

Non-large capacity rifles and shotguns may be carried by FID cardholders.

There shall be a mandatory term of one year in jail, or 2 ½ years in prison for possessing or carrying a firearm in a vehicle or outside of one’s business or residence without the required license or FID card.  This sentence is not mandatory for persons holding a valid FID card, (without the license required). 

Unless an individual is engaged in the activity of hunting, a rifle or shotgun must be carried in a case enclosed and unloaded on any public roadway.

It is prohibited to leave a handgun unattended in a vehicle, if licensed to carry a handgun.

It is prohibited to carry a loaded handgun on the person, or in a vehicle if licensed to do so, while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.

A class A license allows for a loaded handgun within direct control of a CCW holder.

A class B license allows for an unloaded handgun, separate from the ammunition and locked with a trigger mechanism or in a locked case.

Antiques & Replicas

An antique firearm shall be considered any handgun, shotgun, or rifle manufactured in or before1899, or a replica as such that is not designed to fire fixed ammunition or fires fixed ammunition that is not available through normal commercial trade channels.

A license to carry is required for any antique or replica of a handgun that is carried outside of one’s residence or business.  A FID card is not required however, to possess any antique firearm or replica of a firearm while in one’s home or place of business.

Machine Guns

A machine gun is defined as a weapon where more than one shot can be fired in rapid succession with a single function of the trigger.  This shall include a submachine gun.

It is illegal to possess any machine gun without obtaining a license. The colonel of state police or local licensing authority may issue a license to an applicant, at his/her discretion if a firearm instructor who is certified by the Criminal Justice Training Council to instruct law enforcement officers, or is a legitimate collector of firearms. 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR BOSTON
In the city of Boston, (under a vague law) it is illegal to possess, display, transfer, or receive the following firearms, unless a license is obtained from the Boston Police Commissioner:
·      a shotgun that has a revolving cylinder and/or the capacity to exceed six rounds;
·      any semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed magazine and the capacity to exceed ten rounds;
·      any SKS, UZI, AR-15, AK47, Steyr AUG, FN-FAL, and FN-FNC rifle;
·      any pistol that is semi-automatic, and modified from a proscribed rifle or shotgun that has a shorter barrel or no stock, and
·      any belt or magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition.

Additional assault weapons may be added to the “assault weapons roster board”.These firearms must have been registered within 90 days of the effective date of the law (12/9/89), with the Boston Police Commissioner

Within 90 days of the addition of a firearm, to the roster of assault weapons, an individual who owns such a firearm must obtain a license to possess it, or such firearm shall become unlawful.

This does not apply to non-residents of Boston at any shooting club or sports club, as long as they possess the proper state license to carry firearms.  Further, individuals engaged in competition or at a collector’s exhibition or meeting or while in transit to or from these events, or while traveling through the city of Boston for hunting purposes with a license to hunt as long as the “assault weapon” is unloaded and in packaging, and the individual possesses a Massachusetts FID card or proper license or permit allowing him/her to posses or carry firearms issued by a state other than Massachusetts.

NOTE
In the following summary, the term, “firearm” is used in a general sense, for example, any rifle, shotgun, or handgun.  The term, “firearm” appears in Massachusetts law however, and refers specifically to any pistol, revolver, or firearm that has a barrel less than 16 inches in length or a shotgun that has a barrel less than 18 inches long.

(1)
“Large capacity weapon” shall refer to a firearm that is semiautomatic and can accept a large capacity detachable feeding device or can be modified to do so, or has a fixed large capacity feeding device, or uses a rotating cylinder that can accept more than ten rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells, or that fits the definition for an “assault weapon”.  The term, “assault weapon” shall mean the same thing as the federal definition for “assault weapon”.

(2)
If one’s birthday is between July 1 and December 31 the lifetime card currently held, shall expire in 1999; and in 2000 if a birthday is between January 1 and June 30.  On the effective date of current law, a card holder who is in legal possession of a large capacity rifle or shotgun, shall be considered to be a holder of a class B license for possession purposes and must apply for the proper license in a timely manner.  A license holder who is in legal possession of a large capacity handgun shall be considered to have a class A license and must apply for the proper license in a timely manner.  The appropriate card or license must be obtained for the possession or ownership of any firearm, firearm-feeding device, or ammunition.  See the section on possession for instructions on acquiring a card, license, or permit.

Range ProtectionNotwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, no owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range shall be liable in any civil action or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from use of the range... 

§ 7B. Noise pollution; shooting ranges; exemption from liability; hours of operation

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, no owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range shall be liable in any civil action or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from use of the range, provided said owner of the range was in compliance with any applicable noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of such range.

No owner shall be liable in any action for nuisance, and no court shall enjoin the use or operation of said range on the basis of noise or noise pollution, provided said owner was in compliance with any noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of the range.

The exemptions from liability and the immunities from prosecution provided in this section shall also extend to any owner who, in order to satisfy a requirement of law, regulation or by-law, relocates his range within the same parcel of land or a contiguous parcel of land, owned by him at the time that the commonwealth or its political subdivision commences enforcement of such a requirement or that the owner voluntarily complies with such a requirement. In order to maintain these exemptions from liability and immunities from prosecution, owners who relocate their ranges pursuant to the preceding sentence shall remain in compliance with the applicable noise control laws, ordinances or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of the original range described in the first paragraph.

No standards in rules adopted by any state, city, or town agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level, which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere, shall apply to the ranges exempted from liability under the provisions of this section. Such ranges shall be prohibited from operating between the hours of ten o'clock post meridian and eight o'clock ante meridian unless otherwise allowed by the local governing body.

Range Protection

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, no owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range shall be liable in any civil action or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from use of the range... 

§ 7B. Noise pollution; shooting ranges; exemption from liability; hours of operation

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, no owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range shall be liable in any civil action or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from use of the range, provided said owner of the range was in compliance with any applicable noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of such range.

No owner shall be liable in any action for nuisance, and no court shall enjoin the use or operation of said range on the basis of noise or noise pollution, provided said owner was in compliance with any noise control law, ordinance or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of the range.

The exemptions from liability and the immunities from prosecution provided in this section shall also extend to any owner who, in order to satisfy a requirement of law, regulation or by-law, relocates his range within the same parcel of land or a contiguous parcel of land, owned by him at the time that the commonwealth or its political subdivision commences enforcement of such a requirement or that the owner voluntarily complies with such a requirement. In order to maintain these exemptions from liability and immunities from prosecution, owners who relocate their ranges pursuant to the preceding sentence shall remain in compliance with the applicable noise control laws, ordinances or by-laws in existence at the time of the construction of the original range described in the first paragraph.

No standards in rules adopted by any state, city, or town agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level, which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere, shall apply to the ranges exempted from liability under the provisions of this section. Such ranges shall be prohibited from operating between the hours of ten o'clock post meridian and eight o'clock ante meridian unless otherwise allowed by the local governing body.

Massachusetts Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Massachusett's Reciprocity States

States that will honor a Massachusetts LTC licence

Resident Licences
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

Non-Resident Licences
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

Handgun licences Massachusetts will honor

Massachusetts does not honor any other states firearms license.

States that will not honor a Massachusetts LTC license

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

District
Washington D.C.

Restricted Areas

  • Courthouses
  • Elementary or secondary school, college or university
  • Airports
  • Logan Airport security zone
  • When using an off-highway vehicle such as snowmobile
  • Places prohibited by Federal Law

Non-Restricted Areas

  • State parks
  • State and national forests
  • Roadside rest areas
  • Vehicle
  • Areas exempted from the off-limits list

Miscellaneous

While military personnel and other law enforcement officers are exempt from certain requirements, these shall only be applicable to persons in the course of their duties or when authorized to possess weapons.  The exemption shall not apply to private or sport shooting of these rifles, shotguns, or handguns.

BB guns and Air guns shall be regulated by the provisions set forth in the above sections.

It is illegal to possess, sell, or transfer a firearm if, the shape does not resemble a handgun or a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or if it cannot be detected by an x-ray machine or metal detector.

It is illegal to remove, obliterate, or alter any serial number or identifying number on a firearm, or to receive such a firearm with full knowledge. There is a legal presumption that the possessor of such a firearm committed the offense.

It is illegal to discharge any firearm within 500 feet of a building unless he/she has obtained permission from the owner or legal occupant, for the purposes of defense of human life or property, or at a licensed target, test, trap, or skeet range, or a licensed shooting gallery. 

If a firearm is lost, stolen, or recovered, the owner must notify the executive director of the Criminal History Systems Board, and the city or town licensing authority within the jurisdiction of the owner’s residence.

An individual must present his FID card, receipt for the FID card fee, hunting license, or license to carry, while in possession of a firearm, to any law enforcement official upon request.  If the individual refuses, law enforcement officials may require him/her to surrender the firearm.  This can be recovered if the proper documentation is produced within 30 days.

A gun control advisory board comprised of seven members shall be appointed by the governor to compile and publish a roster of large capacity shotguns, rifles, handguns, and feeding devices.It shall be considered a breach of warranty to sell any handgun or large capacity firearm without a safety device approved by the colonel of state police and considered a deceptive and unfair trade practice.  A civil cause of action shall be considered in this case.

Firearms must be kept secured in a container that is locked or equipped with a safety locking device, if the owner or authorized user carries a firearm on his person or the firearm is simply under his/her control, the law does not consider the weapon to be stored.  If a minor under the age of 18 accesses any firearm in violation of this provision, it shall be considered reckless conduct in any civil or criminal proceeding. There may be a criminal conviction with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years for violation of this provision.

If placed under a restraining order involving domestic relations, the court shall demand the surrender of all firearms, ammunition, licenses or FID cards if it is determined that an individual has a likelihood of abusing the plaintiff.

Massachusetts Off Limits Statues

(a) No person carrying a loaded firearm under a Class A license issued under section 131 or 131F shall carry the same in a vehicle unless such firearm while carried therein is under the direct control of such person. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of $500.

(j) For the purposes of this paragraph, ''firearm'' shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged. Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer and notwithstanding any license obtained by the person pursuant to chapter 140, carries on the person a firearm, loaded or unloaded, or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of the elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or both. A law enforcement officer may arrest without a warrant and detain a person found carrying a firearm
in violation of this paragraph.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, as a matter of public safety and security, there is hereby created a security zone bordering the General Edward Lawrence Logan Airport that shall include the area between the mean high water line of said airport and a line measured 500 feet seaward of and parallel to said mean high water line from Wood Island Basin to the easterly end of Jeffries Cove as shown on a plan entitled ''Plan of General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport Security
Zone'' prepared by Massachusetts Port Authority Capital Programs Department, April 2002.

(b) No person, except authorized law enforcement or military personnel and authorized personnel of the authority, shall: (1) carry or otherwise possess a firearm, rifle, shotgun, assault weapon, ammunition, explosive device or material, or any hoax device as defined by section 102A1/2 of chapter 266, within said security zone; (2) engage in any activity within said security zone that jeopardizes or may jeopardize the safety or security of any person or of the airport;

(a) No person carrying a loaded firearm under a Class A license issued under section 131 or 131F shall carry the same in a vehicle unless such firearm while carried therein is under the direct control of such person. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of $500.

(1) No person except federal or state law enforcement officers, United States Postal Service, United States Customs and Border Patrol, Air Carrier employees approved by the TSA, members of the Armed Forces of the United States and Massachusetts National Guard on official duty and licensed armored truck service guards with the prior approval of the Authority, who are authorized and validly licensed to carry Firearms, ammunition and explosives in Massachusetts, shall carry loaded or otherwise operational Firearms or explosives on the Airport.

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