NH resident inform officer in Massachusetts?

[pdowg881]

I am a NH resident. I live very close to the MA border and am there often. Obviosly carrying there is illegal for an NH resident. But if I am pulled over in MA by a cop, should I still show him my license even though I am not carrying? Has anyone ever encountered a similar situation?

 

[lacoochee]

No, why would you?

Off the top of my head, I would think that as soon as you did that your life expectancy would statistically be headed straight down. I think the least that would happen is that they would assume you were armed and act accordingly.

 

[Devonai]

What business is it of his if you're not carrying? Even if you are, unless the law specifically requires you to inform the officer (which it does not in NH/MA), keep it to yourself.

Also, bite the bullet and get yourself a non-resident MA LTC. Explain in your cover letter that you live on the border. The Mass State Police are responsible for non-resident licenses and they're fairly reasonable about issuing class A (unrestricted) licenses.

Yes, $100/year is baloney, but it's only your life, right?

 

[cbsbyte]

I hope you know non residents are not allowed to bring a handgun into the state without a Mass LTC. Mass does not recognize the "Peaceful journey laws" for handguns. If you are caught with a unregistered handgun in the Commonwealth expect the worse legal problems.

 

[pdowg881]

....

 

[pdowg881]

^right. No way you can carry a handgun in MA without an LTC. I went to a shooting range in MA once and before going checked out the laws. I would've need some special safety permit or something from some office in Boston just to legally cross the border with a pistol. I wasn't aware MA issued non-resident permits. I just asked about informing the officer as a courtesy because even though I wouldn't be carrying I assumed it would pop up when he checked my info.

 

[pdowg881]

double

 

[Fly320s]

I don't see any reason to inform the Mass officer. What good would it do you?

As for transporting handguns in Mass, it can be done, but it is a real PITA. That's why I don't go to the USPSA/IPSC matches in Mass; it isn't worth the risk.

 

[ants]

No, I don't believe your NH info will come up on the officer's computer in MA. Other than your driver's licence, very few NH licenses, permits or certificates will be recognized in MA (doesn't matter whether it's a license to practice engineering, a firearms permit, fishing license, or manicurist, it won't apply in MA unless a reciprocal agreement exists between the two States). So your NH permit is meaningless to a MA law enforcement officer. He won't give a dang one way or the other.

You're doing fine, and you are obeying the law. Don't make it more complicated. Your NH permit is meaningless in MA, so don't bother with it.

 

[30 cal slob]

Guys, let's get our facts straight, okay? There are circumstances that a non-resident can transport a handgun into Mass without a Mass LTC.

There is only one state in New England that can bust you (felony possession) for not having the right permit (just for possession) and that is CT. Remedy: get a CT CCW.

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-131g.htm

PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT


TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER


CHAPTER 140. LICENSES


EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES


SALE OF FIREARMS


Chapter 140: Section 131G. Carrying of firearms by non-residents; conditions


Section 131G. Any person who is not a resident of the commonwealth may carry a pistol or revolver in or through the commonwealth for the purpose of taking part in a pistol or revolver competition or attending any meeting or exhibition of any organized group of firearm collectors or for the purpose of hunting; provided, that such person is a resident of the United States and has a permit or license to carry firearms issued under the laws of any state, district or territory thereof which has licensing requirements which prohibit the issuance of permits or licenses to persons who have been convicted of a felony or who have been convicted of the unlawful use, possession or sale of narcotic or harmful drugs; provided, further, that in the case of a person traveling in or through the commonwealth for the purpose of hunting, he has on his person a hunting or sporting license issued by the commonwealth or by the state of his destination. Police officers and other peace officers of any state, territory or jurisdiction within the United States duly authorized to possess firearms by the laws thereof shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to have a permit or license to carry firearms as described in this section.

And, unlike New York State, there is a provision for non-residents to obtain a Mass. Class A LTC (i.e., CCW). Check it out here:

http://goal.org/PDF/nonres.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-131f.htm

happy shooting.

 

[ants]

Good info, 30 Cal.

Be careful, pdowg. It states that there are only certain circumstances that a non-resident can transport a gun in Mass.

 

[pdowg881]

Once again I'm well aware there are few circumstances I can legally bring a firearm into mass, and even if I satisfied those requirements I wouldn't do it anyways. There are plenty of ways they could be twisted to get me into trouble. The only way I would is with a non-res permit from the state.

But it's good to know my new Hampshire permit is irrelevant in MA and unless i get a permit from them I can't carry there. I just wasn't sure if there was some way MA could come up with the NH permit when running info and turn a traffic stop into a nightmare for me.

 

[Chipperman]

I just wasn't sure if there was some way MA could come up with the NH permit when running info and turn a traffic stop into a nightmare for me.

Even if the MA cops could tell from the computer that you had a NH CCW, it would only matter if you actually had a gun with you.

I live right on the border as well, (on the Eevil side), and most of the Po-Po I've run into from both states were pretty reasonable guys. Your chances of having a seriously Anti cop with a chip on his shoulder increase as you go closer to Boston.

Go ahead and get the MA non-res license. Just keep in mind that any Hi-cap mags you bring into MA must be Pre-Ban.

 

[Dirtypacman]

MA Non-Resident permit is not hard to get - in fact I have been told it at times is easier to get then if your a MA Resident yourself.

DO IT!