Where Guns Are Barred
G.L. c. 269, § 10 — schools and colleges, government buildings, and polling places within 150 feet
Schools and colleges. Carrying a firearm, loaded or unloaded, or another dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school, college or university, including transport used for its students, without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge, is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both. A license does not change that.
Government buildings. Possessing a firearm in a place owned, leased or controlled by state, county or municipal government and used for government administration, court proceedings or correctional services, including its grounds and parking areas, is an offense when the person knows or reasonably should know it is a prohibited area. A municipality may vote to exclude its administrative buildings.
Polling places. A location used to store or tabulate ballots while voting or tabulation is occurring, and a polling place or early voting site while open for voting or within 150 feet of its entrance door, are also prohibited areas.
The penalty there. Possession in a prohibited area, by someone who knows or reasonably should know it is one, is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years, or both, and an officer may arrest without a warrant.
The vehicle defense. It is a defense that a person with the necessary license or card securely stored the firearm in a vehicle while within the prohibited area, under the storage rules.
More rules. A municipality, county, court or state agency may adopt policies further restricting firearms in areas under its control.
Licensing, and carrying in other places, are on other pages. Whether a particular place is a prohibited area is a question for a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 269, § 10 — Carrying dangerous weapons
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.