Open Carry in California
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
California severely restricts open carry; most people cannot openly carry loaded firearms in public.
How California treats Open Carry
California generally prohibits open carry of loaded firearms in public places, with very limited exceptions for certain licensed individuals. Unloaded open carry of long guns is permitted in some areas but remains heavily restricted in cities and counties that have enacted local bans. Handguns require a concealed carry permit, which California law makes difficult to obtain. Most residents cannot legally open carry firearms in California.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.