While many states regulate the carrying of concealed guns including by requiring a permit to do so, most states do not regulate the open carry of guns. This is often the result of the absence of relevant state laws commonly known as the “open carry loophole.” Because responsible gun owners have not traditionally carried firearms openly, many state legislatures have not passed laws regulating the practice.
Which states regulate open carry?
12 states have adopted this policy
Alabama has not adopted this policy
Alaska has not adopted this policy
Arizona has not adopted this policy
Arkansas has not adopted this policy
California has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for all firearms
Colorado has not adopted this policy
Connecticut has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for all firearms
Delaware has not adopted this policy
Florida has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for all firearms
Georgia has not adopted this policy
Hawaii has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Permit required for handguns; prohibited for rifles and shotguns.
Idaho has not adopted this policy
Illinois has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for all firearms
Indiana has not adopted this policy
Iowa has not adopted this policy
Kansas has not adopted this policy
Kentucky has not adopted this policy
Louisiana has not adopted this policy
Maine has not adopted this policy
Maryland has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for handguns; open carry not regulated for rifles and shotguns.
Massachusetts has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Permit required for all firearms.
Michigan has not adopted this policy
Minnesota has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Permit required for all firearms.
Mississippi has not adopted this policy
Missouri has not adopted this policy
Montana has not adopted this policy
Nebraska has not adopted this policy
Nevada has not adopted this policy
New Hampshire has not adopted this policy
New Jersey has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for handguns; permit required for long guns.
New Mexico has not adopted this policy
New York has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Prohibited for handguns; open carry not regulated for rifles and shotguns.
North Carolina has not adopted this policy
North Dakota has not adopted this policy
Ohio has not adopted this policy
Oklahoma has not adopted this policy
Oregon has not adopted this policy
Pennsylvania has not adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Regulated only in Philadelphia
Rhode Island has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Permit required for handguns; prohibited for rifles and shotguns (unless unloaded)
South Carolina has not adopted this policy
South Dakota has not adopted this policy
Tennessee has adopted this policy
- How is open carry regulated?
- Open carry not regulated for handguns; prohibited for rifles and shotguns (unless unloaded).
Texas has not adopted this policy
Utah has not adopted this policy
Vermont has not adopted this policy
Virginia has not adopted this policy
Washington has not adopted this policy
West Virginia has not adopted this policy
Wisconsin has not adopted this policy
Wyoming has not adopted this policy
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