Chapter 140: Section 131C. Carrying of
firearms in a vehicle.
Section 131C. (a) No
person carrying a loaded firearm under a Class A license issued under
section 131 or 131F shall carry the same in a vehicle unless such firearm
while carried therein is under the direct control of such person. Whoever
violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of
$500.
(b) No person carrying a
firearm under a Class B license issued under section 131 or 131F shall
possess the same in a vehicle unless such weapon is unloaded and contained
within the locked trunk of such vehicle or in a locked case or other secure
container. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be
punished by a fine of $500.
(c) No person possessing a
large capacity rifle or shotgun under a Class A or Class B license issued
under section 131 or 131F shall possess the same in a vehicle unless such
weapon is unloaded and contained within the locked trunk of such vehicle or
in a locked case or other secure container. Whoever violates the provisions
of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor
more than $5,000.
(d) The provisions of this
section shall not apply to (i) any officer, agent or employee of the
commonwealth or any state or the United States; (ii) any member of the
military or other service of any state or of the United States; (iii) any
duly authorized law enforcement officer, agent or employee of any
municipality of the commonwealth; provided, however, that any such person
described in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, is authorized by a competent
authority to carry or possess the weapon so carried or possessed and is
acting within the scope of his duties.
(e) A conviction of a violation
of this section shall be reported forthwith by the court or magistrate to
the licensing authority who shall immediately revoke the card or license of
the person so convicted. No new such card or license may be issued to any
such person until one year after the date of revocation.
