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Carrying Firearms Without a Permit

In accordance with the US constitution, the State of Washington permits the carrying of a concealed weapon so long as an individual is over the age of 21 and has a lawfully issued permit to carry the weapon.

One exception to this rule is under RCW 9.41.060(8) which illustrates the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit while you are in the wilderness so long as you are engaging in lawful outdoor recreational activities. You must also have a valid hunting or fishing license in order for this exception to apply to your case.

Those most often charged with carrying a firearm without a permit are those who have lost their rights to obtain and possess a firearm. These include convicted felons and those who have domestic charges against themselves.

RCW 9.41.050 defines the rights for carrying firearms:
(1)(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.
(b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.
(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.
(3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.
(4) Nothing in this section permits the possession of firearms illegal to possess under state or federal law.

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