Gun laws in Michigan
Generally, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and agents thereof acting in an official capacity, are exempt from Michigan's firearms regulations.
The Constitution of Michigan of 1963[3] Article 1, Section 6 reads, "Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state."
The word 'firearm', except as otherwise specifically defined in statute, includes any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive.
[6] As of August 6, 2012, under essentially the same laws applicable to pistols in Michigan, private citizens may purchase and use Tasers.
A person 18 years of age can legally purchase a muzzle loading pistol, cannon up to 42 lbs, or long gun from a private seller.
A person must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun from a federal dealer or a private seller under Michigan law.
[16] Michigan's concealed carry law is "shall issue," meaning that anyone 21 or older may obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol or handgun, so long as the person is not prohibited from owning a firearm, has not been found guilty of any felonies or certain misdemeanors within a time period of either 3 or 8 years dependent upon the charge, and has completed state-approved firearms training.
[17][18] The majority opinion stated that while the legislature has occupied the field of firearm laws, prohibiting "a local unit of government", which includes "city, village, township, or county", from regulating firearms, such preemption does not apply to school districts because they are not expressly included in the definition of a local unit of government.
The applicant possesses a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver's license or state identification card.
Not be prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under MCL 750.224f 9.
Have never been subject to an order of involuntary commitment in an inpatient or outpatient setting due to a mental treatment 16.
[21] As of March 29, 2001, per Administrative Order 2001-1 of the Michigan Supreme Court, weapons are not allowed in courtrooms or related office space without prior approval.
Discharging a firearm remains illegal in many cities and charter townships (and such an ordinance is not preempted by state law).
No one is allowed to bring a firearm, concealed or openly, onto the property of a correctional facility, under a law prohibiting weapons that could help prisoners escape.
In addition, the Michigan Attorney General has released an opinion that "a reserve police officer" who carries a visible, holstered pistol is neither brandishing it nor disturbing the peace.
On October 16, 2020, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued a directive that attempted to prohibit open carry at a polling place on election day.
[28] On October 27, the Michigan Court of Claims issued a preliminary injunction invalidating the directive, thus allowing open carry.
[30][31] Beginning in February 2024, Michigan began requiring gun-owners to keep firearms in a locked container if minors are known to be on the premises.
[32] The state began offering free locks in order to ensure gun-owners could comply with the law.
