Massachusetts

Secure Storage
Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a full secure storage law, which has been in effect since 1998.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Massachusetts

Massachusetts state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms — including in the home and in vehicles — to prevent unauthorized users from accessing them. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Unless a firearm is on their person or in their immediate control, gun owners in Massachusetts are required to store their firearm(s)* in their homes securely to prevent unauthorized users from accessing them.

Secure storage means that firearms are:

  • Secured in a locked container; or
  • Equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device.
  • Each of the above storage methods must be properly engaged to ensure that only the owner of the firearm (or another authorized user) may access the firearm.

Massachusetts’ secure gun storage laws also apply to unattended vehicles. If a gun owner is leaving their firearm(s)* in an unattended vehicle, they are required to secure the firearm(s) by:

  • Securing the firearm(s) in a locked container; or
  • Equipping the firearm(s) with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device; or
  • Locking the firearm(s) in a trunk that is not accessible from the passenger compartment.

Gun owners may be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to follow the above requirements.

By the Numbers

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More than 700 children die by gun suicide each year, most often using guns belonging to a family member.

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At least one-third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented with secure storage.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year, significant portion of those are stolen from cars

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Massachusetts Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Massachusetts in English or Spanish.