Virginia’s open carry laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are important restrictions and local variations you should be aware of. Here’s what you can and can’t do when openly carrying a firearm in Virginia:
Who Can Open Carry
Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm to open carry in Virginia.
No Permit Required: You do not need a permit to open carry a handgun or long gun.
Non-Residents: Non-residents who are legally allowed to possess a firearm may also open carry in Virginia.
Where You Can Open Carry
Most Public Places: Open carry is legal in most public spaces, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and businesses that do not prohibit firearms.
Bars and Restaurants: You may open carry in bars and restaurants unless the establishment posts a “No Weapons” sign. However, you may not consume alcohol while carrying a firearm.
Hotels: Open carry is generally allowed on hotel property unless the owner prohibits it or posts a “No Weapons” sign.
Private Property: You may open carry on private property unless the owner prohibits it or posts a “No Weapons” sign.
Where You Cannot Open Carry
Federal Buildings: Open carry is prohibited in federal government buildings and courthouses.
Airport Terminals: Open carry is not allowed in airport terminals.
Places of Worship: Open carry is prohibited in places of worship during a meeting for religious purposes.
School Property: Open carry is generally prohibited on school property, including school buses and school functions, unless the firearm is unloaded and secured in a container within a vehicle.
Certain Cities and Counties: Some localities, such as Alexandria, Newport News, Fairfax, and others, have ordinances banning open carry in public buildings, parks, and at special events. These restrictions must be clearly posted.
Assault Firearms in Certain Areas: In specific cities and counties, it is illegal to openly carry a loaded semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol equipped with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, or a shotgun with a magazine holding more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered.
Roadside Rest Areas: Open carry is not allowed at roadside rest areas.
Additional Restrictions and Considerations
Alcohol and Drugs: You may not open carry while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in a public place.
Brandishing: It is illegal to brandish a firearm in a manner that would reasonably induce fear in another person, except in cases of justifiable self-defense.
Local Ordinances: Some cities and counties have additional restrictions, so always check local laws and look for posted signs.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs: These signs are not generally enforced by state law unless posted in areas specifically prohibited by law. However, if you are asked to leave private property, you must comply or risk trespassing charges.
Summary Table
| Location/Scenario | Open Carry Allowed? | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Most public places | Yes | Unless prohibited by law or posted |
| Bars/Restaurants | Yes | No alcohol consumption; “No Weapons” signs enforced |
| Hotels | Yes | Unless posted or prohibited by owner |
| Private property | Yes | Unless posted or prohibited by owner |
| Federal buildings | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Airport terminals | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Places of worship | No (during services) | Prohibited during religious meetings |
| School property | No | Unless unloaded and secured in vehicle |
| Certain cities/counties | No (in specified areas) | Check local ordinances and posted signs |
| Roadside rest areas | No | Prohibited |
Key Takeaways
Open carry is legal in Virginia for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm, with no permit required.
You must comply with local ordinances and posted signs, especially in certain cities and counties.
There are strict prohibitions in federal buildings, airport terminals, schools, and certain other locations.
You may not open carry while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Always be aware of brandishing laws and respect private property owners’ rights.
Stay informed about local laws and ordinances, as some Virginia localities have enacted additional restrictions on open carry.
Sources:
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/va-gun-laws/
- https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/firearms/faq/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Virginia
- https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/firearms/transporting-firearms-through-virginia/