18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6120 preempts local firearm regulation, blocking most Philadelphia gun ordinances. The city has repeatedly sued for home-rule authority over firearms but state preemption has consistently been upheld by Pennsylvania courts.
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6120 bars any county, municipality, or township from regulating the lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by state law. Philadelphia historically passed assault-weapon, lost-or-stolen reporting, and large-capacity magazine ordinances, but Pennsylvania appellate courts have struck them down under section 6120, including Crawford v. Commonwealth and NRA v. Philadelphia. The city continues litigating, most recently arguing the law fails the state constitution. Until courts or the General Assembly act, state law sets the floor and ceiling. Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act and ATF rules layer on top.
State firearm violations are graded as misdemeanors or felonies under Title 18; Philadelphia cannot impose its own registration penalties and pays attorney fees when sued under section 6120 enforcement provisions.
Philadelphia, PA
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106 requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) to carry concealed in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State Police and Philadelphia Poli...
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania allows open carry without a license in most counties, but Philadelphia is a city of the first class where 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6108 bars open ca...
Philadelphia, PA
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106 makes carrying any firearm in a vehicle in Pennsylvania a third-degree felony unless the driver holds a Pennsylvania License to Car...
See how Philadelphia's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.