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Massachusetts law criminalizes the knowing possession of a firearm, or the knowing control of a firearm in a vehicle, whether loaded or unloaded, unless the possessor is at his or her residence or place of business or possesses the proper card or license for the firearm possessed.1

A person possessing a license to carry may carry a loaded handgun or short-barreled firearm in a vehicle only if the weapon is under his or her direct control.2 A person licensed to carry may possess a large capacity rifle or shotgun in a vehicle only if the weapon is unloaded and contained within the locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container.3 For more information about these licenses, see the Concealed Weapons Permitting section.

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  1. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10.[]
  2. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131C(a).[]
  3. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131C(b).[]