Arizona Concealed Carry Laws

Question
Doug, I am a resident and Concealed Carry Permit holder in North Carolina.  I am on an extended business trip to Arizona and have transported my handgun here.  I have not carried it yet because I am not sure if the laws are different in AZ.  In searching the web, I have found lots of info on obtaining an AZ permit, but not on the actual laws governing when/where I can carry.  Any light you could shed on this would be great.  Thanks in advance.  -Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

Welcome to Arizona...

There are a couple of resources that I can point you to regarding the laws relating to where you are permitted to carry your concealed weapons.  The first and most authoritative source is the Arizona Revised Statutes themselves.  While not the easiest reading, it is the most complete.

The second is a book called "The Arizona Gun Owners Guide" by Alan Korwin.  You can pick on up at most gun stores and I have provided an online link below as well.

To quickly summarize where you CANNOT legally carry (since it is a shorter list):

1.  Anywhere you can consume alcohol on the premises.  If you can drink alcohol there, you cannot legally carry a firearm there.

2.  School grounds (K-12, Colleges, Universities, etc.)

3.  Private property (stores, malls, etc.) that post a sign stating that they do not permit firearms.  Also, they can prohibit without a sign by informing you directly that they do not permit firearms on their property.

4.  Federal Office Buildings (BIG no no)

5.  Some State Government buildings including courthouses.

6.  Post Offices

7.  Nuclear or Hydroelectric Generating Stations

8.  Polling places on election day

9.  National Parks or Game Preserves

10.  Correctional Facilities

11. Airports (inside the security cordon)

12.  Indian reservations ( You need to check with the tribal police, it is about a 50/50 split who does and who doesn't.)

That is a pretty good set of guidelines...but let me  issue the standard disclaimer:  The above list may not be complete and does not relieve you from knowing the law.

The website for the Arizona Revised Statutes can be found at the link below:

Chapter 13 is the criminal code.  The specific chapter you want is: 13.3102

The first URL takes you to Chapter 13, the second one takes you to the specific section you want...

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=13

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/03102.htm&Title=13...

Here is where you can buy a copy of the Korwin book online:

http://www.tacticaldirect.com

Hope this all helps...

Enjoy the great Arizona weather!

Doug