South Carolina permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under the 2021 Open Carry With Training Act and the 2024 permitless carry law.
Act 21 of 2021 first authorized open carry of handguns by individuals holding a Concealed Weapons Permit. The 2024 permitless carry legislation expanded this to eligible adults aged 18 and older without requiring a permit. Open carry remains prohibited in the same sensitive locations applicable to concealed carry, such as schools, courthouses, and posted private property. Local governments cannot adopt inconsistent rules under Section 23-31-510 firearms preemption, ensuring uniform open-carry rights statewide.
Open carry in prohibited areas is a misdemeanor; brandishing or threatening with a firearm carries enhanced penalties.
Charleston, SC
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Charleston, SC
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Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
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See how Charleston's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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