Rhode Island
Secure Storage Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has strong gun laws and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a secure storage law, which took effect in Rhode Island in 2024.
State Requirements
Secure Storage in Rhode Island
Rhode Island state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms to prevent children, teens, and other 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.
Requirements for guns in homes in Rhode Island
Gun owners in Rhode Island are required to securely store their firearm(s) whenever they are outside the owner’s possession or control, including in their homes, to keep children, teens, and other unauthorized users from accessing them.
Secure storage in Rhode Island means either:
- Securing the firearm in a locked container; or
- Equipping the firearm with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device that is properly engaged to render the firearm inoperable by any unauthorized user.
Consequences for Rhode Island gun owners who fail to meet the above requirements for storing their gun(s)
Gun owners may be subject to civil or criminal penalties if they fail to follow these requirements. More serious penalties may result if a person knows or should know that a child or prohibited individual is likely to gain access to an improperly secured firearm and they do gain such access.
By the Numbers
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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.
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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a 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
Rhode Island Secure Gun Storage Sheet
Download information about secure gun storage in Rhode Island in English or Spanish.