California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
Penal Code 25850 makes it a crime to carry a loaded firearm in any public place or street within an incorporated city. Penal Code 26350 prohibits open carry of unloaded handguns in public places, and Penal Code 26400 prohibits open carry of unloaded long guns in incorporated cities. These prohibitions are statewide and apply equally in every California jurisdiction. Limited exemptions exist for hunting, target practice on lawful ranges, security guards, and law enforcement. Localities cannot authorize open carry in violation of state law.
Violations are typically misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines under Penal Code 25850 and 26350.
See how Arcata's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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