Maine is overall gun friendly but has mixed and local laws that you need to know about. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
Maine Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state, local areas are prohibited from changing laws
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: unrestricted in most public places
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits are not actually accepted from other states
Vehicle carry handguns: unloaded in plain view or cased in trunk or outside storage but not accessible to occupants
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded in plain view or cased in trunk or outside storage but not accessible to occupants
Official source information
Maine Revised Statutes
Maine Statutes
Maine Legislature
State Firearms Association
Maine State Home Page
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