San Diego's Firearms: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles firearms a little differently. In San Diego, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Open Carry
California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. San Diego is fully incorporated, so open carry is illegal everywhere in the city.
Key details: Handgun open-carry ban: Penal Code 26350. Long-gun open-carry ban: Penal Code 26400. Loaded carry ban: Penal Code 25850. City coverage: Entire city, fully incorporated.
Open carry is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 26350 or 26400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines; loaded open carry under section 25850 carries equivalent penalties.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Diego actively enforces its open carry requirements.
Concealed Carry
Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. San Diego residents apply through the San Diego County Sheriff under shall-issue rules following Bruen, but SB-2 sensitive-place limits apply citywide.
Key details: Permit issuer: San Diego County Sheriff. Statute: Penal Code 25400, 26150. Training: Minimum 16 hours required. Sensitive places: Per Penal Code 26230.
Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 25400, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines, and a felony with aggravating factors.
Firearms in Vehicles
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in San Diego to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but may ride in the cabin if encased.
Key details: Handgun storage: Unloaded, locked container. Long-gun storage: Unloaded, encased OK. Statute (handgun): Penal Code 25610. Loaded ban: Penal Code 25850.
Loaded or accessible firearms in a vehicle without a CCW are misdemeanors under Penal Code section 25400 or 25850, with up to one year jail and possible felony charging if priors exist.
The Bottom Line
San Diego's firearms rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Diego is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from San Diego's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.