Where can you not conceal carry in California in 2024?
Asked by: Meaghan Dach | Last update: January 31, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (1 votes)
In California in 2024, you generally cannot conceal carry in "sensitive places" like schools, government buildings, hospitals, public transit, parks, playgrounds, bars, and churches, even with a permit, though a major law (SB 2) faced legal challenges and temporary stays, sometimes allowing carry, then blocking it, then partially lifting blocks, creating confusion; however, federal court rulings in early 2024 blocked key parts of SB 2, meaning many of those sensitive places were temporarily allowed, but legal battles continued through the year, so the restrictions varied by court order.
Where are you not allowed to conceal carry in California?
In California, you cannot conceal carry in many "sensitive places" even with a permit, including schools, government buildings, courthouses, airports, polling places, hospitals (currently under legal review), public transit, bars/restaurants serving alcohol, casinos, stadiums, zoos, museums, libraries, playgrounds, and any private property with "no guns" signs, with recent laws (SB 2) significantly expanding these restrictions, though some are under legal challenge.
What are the gun restrictions in California 2024?
Effective January 1, 2024:
Requires a licensed firearms dealer to accept the storage of a firearm transferred by an individual to prevent it from being accessed or used during periods of crisis or heightened risk to the owner of the firearm or members of their household.
Where is open carry prohibited in California?
Finally, California open carry laws also prohibit openly carrying an unloaded firearm in a “prohibited area.” These types of areas are places where weapons are generally prohibited, such as schools, airports, post offices, courthouses, and other government buildings.
What is the gun free zone in California?
Penal Code § 626.9 PC is California's Gun-Free School Zone Act. This section makes it illegal to have or use a gun in a school zone. A “school zone” is any area within 1,000 feet of a public or private school.
CARRYING IN CALIFORNIA: A Quick guide on how to get your CCW
Is Walmart a gun free zone?
No, Walmart is not a universal gun-free zone, but it has a strict policy asking customers to stop openly carrying firearms in its stores and Sam's Clubs nationwide, even where state law permits it; concealed carry is generally allowed if compliant with local laws, though store managers can ask people to leave, potentially leading to trespassing charges. Following several mass shootings, Walmart also discontinued the sale of handguns, certain rifle ammunition, and raised the minimum age for firearm purchases.
Can I conceal carry in a California state park?
Can I carry a concealed weapon in a state park if I have a Carrying Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit? Generally, no. The carrying and possession of firearms in California's state parks is generally prohibited and is only allowed per Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 4313.
Can you carry concealed in a bank in California?
Gun owners in California can no longer carry firearms into amusement parks, museums, churches, zoos, banks, public parks or a whole slew of other places, even if they have a concealed carry permit.
Can I open carry in my front yard in CA?
Yes, you can generally carry a firearm openly in your front yard in California, as it's considered your private property, but it's highly risky and not recommended due to potential public alarm and law enforcement intervention, especially if it's unfenced, as it can be viewed as a public space. While permits aren't needed for possession on your property, local ordinances and public perception are major factors, and carrying in a visible way can still lead to misunderstandings, so securing your property (like with a fence) is crucial if you choose to do so.
Can you conceal carry in California on private property?
California law permits people to carry firearms either openly or concealed without license at place of residence, business, or lawfully possessed private property.
What is the 1 in 30 rule in California?
California's contested law prohibited most individuals from purchasing more than one firearm within any 30-day period. The regulation was designed as a public safety measure, with lawmakers arguing it would help reduce gun trafficking and limit the rapid accumulation of firearms by potentially dangerous individuals.
Is CA going to ban glocks?
Yes, California is banning the sale of new Glock and Glock-style handguns by licensed dealers starting July 1, 2026, under Assembly Bill 1127, which targets guns easily converted to automatic weapons using a "switch". The law, signed by Governor Newsom, doesn't affect current owners' possession or private party sales, focusing on preventing the conversion loophole.
Can I carry a gun in California while visiting?
Yes, you can bring a gun to California as a visitor, but you must transport it unloaded in a locked container (like the trunk or a secure lockbox) and separate from ammunition; you cannot carry it concealed or openly without a special non-resident California license, and California does not honor out-of-state permits. Be aware of strict magazine limits (usually 10 rounds) and sensitive place restrictions, even with a permit.
Can I CCW in a restaurant in California?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in California? No, as of January 1st, 2024. Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in California? No, as of January 1st, 2024.
Can I have a gun in my hotel room in California?
Carry and Transport of Firearms
California does not honor any non-resident concealed firearm permits and they do not issue non-resident permits. Open and concealed carry is exempted in your home or your business, including hotel room (temporary residence) (25605), or campsites (25550).
What happens if I conceal carry in California?
Penalties
Carrying a concealed firearm is a felony that is punishable by up to three years in prison if one or more of the following aggravating factors exist: The defendant has previously been convicted of a felony or a firearm offense. The defendant knew or should have known the firearm was stolen.
Can you post Trespassers will be shot?
Yes, you can legally post "Trespassers Will Be Shot" signs as a form of speech under the First Amendment, but this does not give you the right to actually shoot a mere trespasser; using deadly force requires a reasonable belief of imminent danger to life or serious bodily harm, which a simple trespass usually doesn't justify, though laws vary by state. Signs are deterrents, but if you shoot someone for just being on your property (even with the sign), you could face serious criminal charges unless they pose a significant threat, like attempting a violent felony.
What happens if you get pulled over with a gun in the car in California?
If you're pulled over with a gun in your car in California, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on if it's loaded, concealed, your record, and location, leading to jail/prison, hefty fines, and loss of gun rights; it's crucial to know CA laws require unloaded firearms in locked containers when transported, unless you have a valid Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit.
Where can you carry a concealed weapon in California?
California generally prohibits a person with a concealed- carry permit from carrying a firearm onto more than two dozen types of property. California also generally prohibits the carry of firearms onto private property that is open to the public unless the owner allows it by clearly posting a sign at the entrance to ...
Can I carry a loaded gun in my car in CA?
Here's what the law allows if you have a current, valid California CCW: You may legally carry a loaded, concealed handgun in your vehicle. Your CCW must be issued by a California law enforcement agency (typically the county sheriff or city police chief). The permit must be valid in the county where you are driving.
Can you conceal carry in a movie theater in California?
YOU CAN CARRY HERE. Any private retailer (Like Wal-Mart, Target, clothing stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, malls, movie theaters etc.) with or without a 'No Guns' sign posted.
Can you carry a gun in a hospital in California?
The new ruling allows those gun owners to carry concealed firearms at the following locations and their respective parking areas: Hospitals and medical facilities. Churches. On public transportation.
Can I carry a gun when hiking in CA?
Open Carry Regulations While Hiking
National Parks: The regulations allow for concealed carry if you have a valid CCW, but open carry is not permitted. State Parks: Similar to national parks, open carry is prohibited, and concealed carry requires a valid CCW.
Is it worth getting CCW in California?
Whether getting a CCW permit in California is "worth it" depends on your personal safety priorities, lifestyle, and willingness to navigate the process, but benefits include legal self-defense, exemption from some transport laws, enhanced training, and the ability to carry in more locations (like churches), while drawbacks involve significant costs, time investment, and adherence to complex laws, though recent law changes (SB 2) made getting a permit generally easier by removing "good cause" requirements.
What is the 200 rule for camping?
The "200 rule" in camping generally refers to the Leave No Trace principle of camping at least 200 feet (about 70-80 adult steps) away from water sources (lakes, streams, rivers) and often also away from trails, to protect fragile vegetation and wildlife access, though specific regulations vary by land management agency (Forest Service, NPS, etc.) and area. It's a key guideline for dispersed camping, alongside rules to stay 1/4 mile from trailheads, shelters, and roads in sensitive areas.