OPEN CARRY INFORMATION

 

 

FACTS ABOUT OPEN CARRY

 

In Pennsylvania, persons 18 years of age and older whom are not prohibited by
law from owning firearms may openly carry a handgun
in plain sight with no license except in vehicles*, cities of
the first class** (Philadelphia) and where prohibited specifically
by statute.
Ref.: Title 18, ch.61, Subchapter A. Uniform Firearms Act & Commonwealth v. Ortiz

* Open carry in a vehicle requires a valid PA License to Carry Firearms (LTCF)
or a carry license from ANY other state. Ref: Title 18 §6106

** Open carry in a city of the first class requires a valid PA
LTCF or a carry license from ANY other state. Ref: Title 18 §6108

Carrying concealed (with LTCF) or openly in establishments
that serve alcohol is allowed in Pennsylvania.

There is no stipulation in neither the PA code nor case law that a PA LTCF holder must
carry concealed. Furthermore, lawful open carry of a
firearm is NOT grounds for revocation of a PA LTCF as it is neither an illegal nor dangerous act.

 

Places Off-Limits* While Carrying in PA:

    • ANY Federal Building (Unless Authorized)
    • State Parks (except while in vehicle)
    • Detention Facilities (Adult & Juvenile)
    • Air Carrier Airport Terminals (secure areas only, common areas OK)
    • Cities of the first class unless you hold a valid LTCF
    • Elementary and secondary schools.   Federal law prohibits carry within 1000 feet of a school but carry license holders (any state) are excepted from the law.  Pa law prohibits carry on school grounds but has exceptions that are explained within the statute:  Title 18, §912

    *The "Off Limits" list above also applies to concealed carry .

BACK
 

LICENSING:


Pursuant to §6109 of the PA UFA, resident License to Carry
Firearms permits are issued by the county sheriff of the jurisdiction
in which the applicant resides. Nonresident permits are
issued by select county sheriff offices.

 

Other states that honor Pennsylvania’s LTCF:
AK*, AR, AZ, CO†, FL†, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI†, MO, MT, NC,
NH†, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT*, WV, WY
~~ Open carry may or may not be legal in the above states! ~~


(* Vermont (VT) & Alaska (AK). Anyone who can legally own a firearm
can carry it concealed. No Permit/license is required.)
(† Honors PA resident permit only. No non-resident)
Find the most current reciprocity information at the PA
Attorney General’s site: www.attorneygeneral.gov
BACK
Statutes restricting open carry

TITLE 18 Chapter 61 Subchapter A "UNIFORM FIREARMS ACT"

 
BACK
Case law affecting open carry
 
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MORE Coming soon...

 

 

 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

By using this site, you agree to hold harmless Richard Banks, paopencarry.org's internet host, and paopencarry.org volunteers.

The information provided here is intended to give you a good starting point on the topic of open carry of a firearm in Pennsylvania and where to look for authoritative information on same. When possible, we try to provide a resource of contact information (State Police, State Attorneys General, Licensing Authorities, etc) or links to appropriate statues, case law and other legal documents for you to verify the information on this site. Where this reference or contact information is absent from this site, it is up to the reader to find it.

ALL of the information on this site should be considered "as-is" and is not guaranteed to be accurate in any way. We make every effort to provide correct information on this site. However, the legal landscape surrounding open carry is fluid and subject to a myriad of political influences in the various states. Therefore, any and all information you glean from this site should be independently verified! We are not lawyers and, therefore, we cannot and will not give legal advice. If you need accurate answers, hire an attorney who is licensed in the state in question.