Interstate rest stops in North and South Carolina?

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waynesan

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I am planning on driving from Tennessee thru North and South Carolina for Myrtle Beach this Sunday. I have a TN permit so I'm OK in NC and SC. However, I was wondering about carrying into rest stops. I have checked Packing.org and the state laws but I can't find this specific question answered. Does anyone here know? Thanks for any info you may have.
 
It's a misdeamenor in NC...see my bold text

From NC firearms laws...note my bold...

3.State Buildings

It is also unlawful under state law, for any person to possess or carry a weapon, not used for instructional or officially sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in the State Capitol Building, Executive Mansion, Western Residence of the Governor, or on the grounds of these buildings, including any building used to house any Court of the General Court of Justice. Persons exempted by the provisions of G.S. 14-269(b) are not bound by this prohibition. These persons are set forth in Paragraph III. A. of this publication. Also exempt are persons in possession of weapons for evidentiary purposes, or who are delivering the weapon to a law enforcement agency. This prohibition does not apply to state owned rest areas, rest stops along the highways, and state owned hunting and fishing reservations. Possessing or carrying a weapon in these areas is a misdemeanor. A concealed handgun permit does not allow a permittee to carry a weapon in these areas.
 
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It's fine in SC, at least that was the word from my CCW class instructor (a local police officer.) There were some fairly well publicized assaults at rest areas in this state a few years ago, and I believe the law was changed in response to that.

Rick
 
You'd be well-advised to skip government rest stops
DING! DING! The only valid reason to stop at a "rest stop" is at the welcome station for a map, or if you just can't hold it any more, and even then, only during the daytime. The only other rest stops I felt comfortable in were the large gas station/McDonalds things on turnpikes, and that was in broad daylight. Stick with regular gas stations or truck stops (larger ones with separate car entrances).
 
Whenever I drive north or south through North and South Carolina, I make sure I don't have to stop in South Carolina, because according to my issuing agency, South Carolina does not accept my Florida CCW license, but North Carolina does. Wonder why that might be?

P.S. South Carolina is losing my business, as I never stop to eat or get gas there when traveling. Wonder if they've considered this factor in their policy towards Florida CCW license holders.
 
You're good to go. The signs were removed from interstate rest stops in NC more than a year ago. You did say you are otherwise okay for license recognition in both States.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Thanks for the replies guys. Like most of you, I usually try to avoid rest stops as much as possible but with my wife and three grown daughters and two infant grandsons along for the ride I have to allow for the possibility of not being able to make it to the next gas station or fast food place. I've heard of states where you can't carry into the rest stop building but outside the building is OK. Which is stupid but I guess I just can't understand the wisdom of elected officials.
 
Read Frandy's post carefully.

This prohibition does not apply to state owned rest areas, rest stops along the highways, and state owned hunting and fishing reservations.

The prohibition on weapons DOES NOT APPLY to state owned rest areas. The penalties described are for the other state-owned properties listed in the statute. This law is horribly written and very easy to misunderstand (typical of the General Assembly). Carry your weapon with you when you visit our state and enjoy your time here in North Carolina.
 
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Yeah, I looked again and I'm happy to find out I was wrong. Thanks 44Brent and Johnny Yuma .
 
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