Secure Storage
Laws in Michigan

Gun owners in Michigan are required to store their firearm(s) in their homes securely to keep children and teens under the age of 18 from accessing them.

Secure storage in the home means that gun owners who know or should know that a minor is or is likely to be present must:

• Store the firearm in a locked box or container; or
• Keep the firearm unloaded and lock it with a locking device* that only allows access to an authorized user.

*In Michigan, a locking device means a trigger lock, cable lock, or similar lock that prevents a firearm from discharging.

Michigan’s child access prevention law applies to vehicles in locations where a minor is or is likely to be present. If a gun owner is leaving their firearm in a vehicle where a minor is or is likely to be present, they are required to:

• Store the firearm in a locked box or other container, or keep it unloaded and secured with a locking device; and
• Lock the vehicle

*In Michigan, a locking device means a trigger lock, cable lock, or similar lock that prevents a firearm from discharging.

Gun owners may be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to follow these requirements and a minor gains access to their firearm and then possesses or exhibits it in a public place or in the presence of another in a reckless or threatening manner. More serious criminal penalties may result if the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts serious injury or death.