Where Guns Are Barred
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60 — school grounds and school buses, and a loaded rifle or shotgun along any public road
No person may have a firearm or other weapon on school grounds: the property of a public or private elementary or secondary school, a building or stadium in use for a school activity, or school transportation.
A violation is punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years, or a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $5,000. A juvenile adjudicated under the section also loses the license to drive for up to six months.
- A firearm that is not loaded and is in a locked container or locked rack in a motor vehicle.
- Peace officers, retired officers with a permit, and contracted school security.
- Firearm safety courses, ROTC, shooting events and blank guns in theatrical events, when the school sanctions them.
- Colleges, universities and junior colleges, which the section does not cover.
Long guns on the road. Having a loaded rifle or shotgun, or one with shells still in the magazine, upon or along any public highway, road, lane or trail is unlawful, except for police and others on duty and people lawfully hunting. It is punished by imprisonment of not more than five years, or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Federal buildings and private property set their own rules. A particular place is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60 — Possession of firearms on school grounds
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-51 — Loaded rifles and shotguns in vehicles and roadways
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.