Georgia permits lawful weapons carriers to openly carry handguns in most public places, with statewide preemption limiting local restrictions on open carry.
Open carry of handguns is lawful in Georgia for any person qualifying as a lawful weapons carrier under O.C.G.A. 16-11-125.1. Long guns are generally legal to carry openly without a license, though brandishing or threatening conduct may trigger separate offenses. Statutory restrictions in O.C.G.A. 16-11-127 list prohibited premises such as courthouses, jails, secured government buildings, polling places during elections, and certain school zones. Private property owners may restrict carry on their premises, and trespass enforcement applies to refusals to leave.
Carrying in prohibited premises or after a lawful trespass warning may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Athens, GA
Athens prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed a...
Athens, GA
Athens regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new const...
Athens, GA
Athens regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Athens, GA
Athens requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Athens, GA
Athens requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Athens, GA
Athens restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance...
See how Athens's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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