New Mexico Gun Shop Miller Guns and Ammo Explains Interesting Facts About New Mexico Gun Laws
As far as New Mexico Gun Laws are concerned, the state has some of the most interesting gun laws you will come across. As it is a shall-issue state, only residents have the permission to carry a concealed gun but you will have to get a license first.
Other than that, if one were to compare New Mexico to other states, the gun laws in New Mexico are quite liberal. You can even legally and openly carry a gun without having a carry license for it.
In fact, if a person is from another state and has a handgun license there, they should be able to get a license in New Mexico as long as the concealed carry law matches New Mexico’s.
The gun laws are so different in New Mexico that it can be confusing, so it’s natural to be curious about certain things. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions regarding New Mexico Gun laws.
Are Guns Allowed in Schools and Universities?
In general, the law doesn’t encourage carrying any kind of life taking weapon on grounds of an educational institution or anywhere activities sponsored by schools are taking place- for example, a soccer playground where children are competing. It doesn’t matter whether you have a concealed carry license in this case.
However, if you are on school grounds but have the gun inside your vehicle for protection purposes and are above 19 years of age, it’s allowed. You can also carry a gun when you are actually participating in a school program that involves explaining firearms- something that has to be approved by the school.
The penalty also changes depending on whether you carried the weapon illegally at a K-12 school, in which case it would be a fourth-degree felony, while in a university, it is written off as misdemeanor.
Can You Carry a Newly Purchased Gun in a Cab?
If you already have a concealed carry license, of course, you can carry the weapon without having it in plain view.
However, if you just brought the weapon from a gun shop in New Mexico, and are about to get into a cab, you can carry it inside the cab as long as the cab doesn’t have a sign that says guns are not allowed and the cab driver has not explicitly asked you not to.
The gun would also have to be not loaded and without any ammunition. If these rules are followed, you can keep it in a backpack inside the cab.
You absolutely cannot carry handguns on a bus. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a school bus, one for public transit, or a bus that’s been hired for personal use, guns aren’t allowed. Your concealed carry license holds no weight in this case.
What Qualifies You for a Concealed Handgun License?
For one, you have to first be a U.S. citizen along with having your residency in New Mexico, though exceptions are made if that’s where you’re stationed due to the military. You will also have to be 21 years of age and first, go through a training course on firearms.
Even if you meet all these requirements though, denial is likely to be issued if you already have a convicted felony mark on your file or have a history of violence. You would also be denied a license if you had a DUI incident recently, drug and alcohol charges, a domestic violence case or have been prohibited from gun possession due to federal or state law.
What Kind of Gun Use is Considered Illegal According to New Mexico Laws?
Just because New Mexico allows you to openly carry guns without a license or conceal carry if you hold a license, it doesn’t mean you can use the gun as you wish.
For one, guns can’t be fired at a residence or a building that’s occupied. Nor are you allowed to shoot from a vehicle or at a vehicle. The penalties for these incidents differ in degree, depending on whether your action actually seriously injured someone.
You are also likely to face misdemeanor charges for petty crimes if you fire a gun purposefully to threaten someone’s life or cause damage to their property. You are also not allowed to fire a gun within 150 yards of a residence unless the owner has given you permission to do so.
What Happens When You Carry a Gun to a Liquor Store?
You are quietly likely to receive a fourth-degree felony charge if you take a gun to a place that has a license for selling liquor. As such, whether it’s a liquor store, a bar, or a restaurant, you can face charges as long as the place has a liquor license.
If you possess a concealed handgun license, you do get a pass, that is, if the place has more sales depending on food rather than liquor. Unless, of course, the business has stated it won’t allow guns.
Can You Carry a Gun if You’re Under Influence?
No, if you are carrying a gun while you are intoxicated or on drugs, it will be written as petty misdemeanor.
Well, if you are carrying a gun around in New Mexico, we would suggest taking your time to learn how to use the gun correctly before you do, regardless of whether you are aiming for a concealed license or planning to open carry the gun.
It’s best that you take classes and understand what guns are actually for and what’s considered legal or illegal with regards to them. Consult with an experienced team that will help you choose the right firearm for you.
New Mexico Gun Laws can also change so you should keep a track of the latest news regarding this.
About Miller Guns and Ammo
Since 2014, Miller Guns and Ammo has been a family-owned business, carrying the latest and most modern handguns, rifles, and accessories. We carry one of the largest inventories in New Mexico for handguns and tactical rifles. In addition to having a friendly staff, Miller Guns and Ammo offers a 90-day interest-free financing option, and we also provide out of state FFL transfers.
