Can you open carry in California?

Asked by: Kian Klocko DVM  |  Last update: March 10, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (45 votes)

Under California Penal Code Section 26350 PC, it is illegal to openly carry a handgun that is exposed and unloaded on one's person or in a vehicle while in public.

Can you openly carry a gun in California?

It is generally illegal in California to carry firearms in public, regardless of whether they are loaded, unloaded, openly carried or concealed. That said, there is still an exception that allows counties with populations of less than 200,000 to issue licenses to people to open-carry loaded handguns (not long guns).

Can I open carry my handgun?

California – It is generally prohibited to carry a firearm openly in California.

Can I legally carry a gun in my car in California?

``California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.

When did open carry become illegal in California?

Loaded open carry has been illegal in incorporated areas (cities) since 1968. Unloaded open carry has been illegal since 2012 (handguns) and 2013 (long guns).

California - Open Carry 

34 related questions found

Can I carry a gun in California while visiting?

​Carry and Transport of Firearms

Open and concealed carry is exempted in your home or your business, including hotel room (temporary residence) (25605), or campsites (25550). If you are traveling, you are exempt if your firearm is unloaded and in a locked container. You cannot make unnecessary stops.

Are glocks banned in California?

Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glocks are illegal in California because that are not on the approved list. The last Glocks put on the approved list is the Gen 3 series.

Do I have to tell the police I have a gun in my car?

In California, you are not legally required to inform the police that you have a gun in the car.

Can I keep a gun in my glove box in California?

To take a handgun in your vehicle, for example, Penal Code 25610 (PC) requires you to store the firearm unconcealed and unloaded in the trunk of your car or elsewhere in the vehicle inside a locked container, such as a gun safe. You cannot store a firearm inside the glove box of your car.

How hard is it to get a concealed carry permit in California?

As long as you meet all of the standard residency requirements, complete all of the paperwork correctly and pass all of the background check requirements, there's no reason you can't get your CA CCW. You will still have to take 16 hours of concealed carry class before your CCW is officially issued.

Can I take my gun hiking in California?

Licensed concealed carry is legal generally in a National Park. Unlicensed concealed carry may be legal in your campsite. Loaded and unloaded open carry are illegal in National Parks because target shooting is illegal. Loaded and unloaded open carry is legal in your actual campsite, not the whole campground.

What states Cannot open carry?

States that Prohibit Open Carrying of Handguns
  • California13
  • Connecticut (Effective Oct. 1, 2023)14
  • District of Columbia15
  • Florida16
  • Illinois17
  • New Jersey18
  • New York19

Is it illegal to have a loaded gun in your house in California?

California gun laws further require owners to make sure that a gun is stored unloaded and in a place not accessible by children and adults prohibited from possessing a gun. This is required per Penal Code 25100 PC.

Can you carry a gun in your pocket in California?

Thus, the only way to legally carry a weapon outside of your property is to have a concealed firearm permit obtained under California Penal Code section 26150 PC. The crime of carrying a concealed firearm without a license is a more serious offense, governed by California Penal Code 25400 PC.

What is the difference between concealed carry and open carry?

In the United States, open carry refers to the practice of visibly carrying a firearm in public places, as distinguished from concealed carry, where firearms cannot be seen by the casual observer.

What are the new gun laws in California 2024?

In 2024, California passed several bills strengthening and refining existing laws to facilitate better implementation, including improvements to the state's gun violence restraining order law, secure storage laws, and reporting on firearm dealer inspections.

Can you have a loaded gun in your car in California?

California prohibits carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle in most locations. This prohibition is subject to certain exceptions, including for people who have a valid concealed weapons license. (See the Other Location Restrictions in California section for further information).

Is having a gun in your car considered concealed?

Carrying Firearms in a Vehicle

To legally transport a firearm in your vehicle, it must be: Unloaded; Locked in the trunk of the vehicle or in a locked container inside of the car (other than the glove box); and. Apparent and not concealed.

Do you have to tell police you have a gun in the car in California?

You are not required to answer this question however, if you refuse to answer, expect an immediate confrontation. To avoid this predicament, make certain that everything in your vehicle is being transported lawfully. Unless asked to reach for something, keep your hands in plain sight.

Where can I hide my gun in my car from the police?

Keep your weapons under the seat, in the glove box or in the trunk. There's no reason to carry a weapon in plain sight these days. Anyone in a passing car who sees it could call police on you.

Can I carry a gun in my RV in California?

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.

Can you drive with loaded magazines?

From what a CA LEO posted on a forum (TFL?), you are OK with a pistol unloaded, in a locked case and a loaded magazine in a seperate container. CRPA's handbook states that ammunition cannot be attached to the firearm in any way.

Why is the Glock 19 illegal?

Under Section 36 (D), a semiautomatic pistol is considered a “semiautomatic assault weapon' if the magazine is not fixed and has one of the following attributes: The Glock 19, one of the most popular handguns in America today, is a “semiautomatic version” of the Glock 18.

What does "zip gun" mean?

Improvised firearms (sometimes called zip guns, pipe guns, or slam guns) are firearms manufactured by an entity other than a registered firearms manufacturer or a gunsmith. Improvised firearms are typically constructed by adapting existing materials to the purpose.

Is Glock 19 or 17 better?

In many ways, the Glock 19 is seen as the more versatile and useful handgun. While the G17 has spawned a number of variants and separate models (like the Glock 34) and mods that make it a fantastic competition pistol, the Glock 19 has proved better suited for tactical and defensive roles.