Where You Can’t Carry a Gun in Indiana

Where can you not carry a gun in Indiana?

Indiana’s permitless carry law, in effect since July 1, 2022, did not open every door. Here are the places we could confirm in state or federal law. This list is not every restriction that exists, so if a place seems sensitive, check before you carry.

Schools and school property

Possessing a firearm in or on school property or on a school bus is a Level 6 felony under IC 35-47-9-2. There is a defense if the gun is locked in the trunk, in the glove compartment of a locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in a locked vehicle. Leaving a gun in plain view in a car in a school parking lot is a Class A misdemeanor.

IC 35-47-9-1 lists exceptions, including law enforcement, school employees authorized by the school board, and people attending a worship service at a house of worship located on school property, though the property owner can still ban guns there.

The federal school zone rule

The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, 18 U.S.C. 922(q), bars possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, with exceptions. The main ones: you are on private property that isn’t school grounds, the gun is unloaded and in a locked container or locked rack in a vehicle, or you are licensed to carry by the state where the school is. Permitless carry is not a license. The Indiana license to carry is free, which is one reason many people still get it. See Indiana permitless carry.

Airports and flying

Under IC 35-47-6-1.3 it’s a crime to knowingly or intentionally enter an airport area where people and property are inspected while carrying a firearm. Guns can fly only in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case and declared to the airline under TSA rules. Indiana also makes it a crime to check a bag you know contains a firearm without disclosing it (IC 35-47-6-1.1). Public areas of the terminal before screening are a different question; follow posted rules and check with the airport.

Federal buildings and post offices

18 U.S.C. 930 generally prohibits firearms in federal facilities, meaning buildings where federal employees regularly work, including federal courthouses. The statute has exceptions, such as lawful hunting and other lawful purposes. Postal Service regulations at 39 CFR 232.1 prohibit carrying firearms on postal property, with narrow exceptions. Leave the gun locked in your car or at home.

Private businesses and homes

IC 35-47-2-1(c) says the carry law does not stop a person who owns or controls private property from regulating or banning guns on it. Stores, restaurants, churches, stadiums and other private venues can ban guns. If an owner or staff member tells you to leave and you refuse, trespass law can apply. When in doubt, ask or leave the gun in your car.

Your job

Most employers can ban guns inside the workplace, but IC 34-28-7-2 generally stops them from banning guns locked in the trunk, the glove compartment, or out of sight in your locked vehicle. Exceptions include child care facilities, postsecondary schools, domestic violence shelters and several others. See transporting guns in Indiana.

Colleges and universities

Indiana’s employee parking lot law specifically exempts postsecondary educational institutions, and colleges and universities set their own weapons policies. Check the school’s current policy before bringing a gun on campus, including in your car.

If you are a prohibited person, nowhere

If you fall into a category in IC 35-47-2-1.5 (for example, a felony conviction, a protective order or a red flag adjudication), you can’t carry a handgun anywhere in Indiana. Carrying while prohibited near school property can raise the charge to a Level 5 felony.

What about local bans?

Cities, towns and counties can’t make their own gun rules. IC 35-47-11.1-2 says a political subdivision may not regulate the possession, carrying or transportation of firearms, with limited exceptions in the same chapter.

Gun laws change, and this guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the current Indiana Code or talk to an Indiana attorney about your specific situation.