Rhode Island technically permits open carry of handguns only with a license under RIGL 11-47-8, making the practice rare and effectively unavailable to most residents without permits.
Rhode Island law treats open and concealed carry similarly: under RIGL 11-47-8, carrying a pistol or revolver, openly or concealed, without a license is a felony. Practical open carry therefore requires the same license process as concealed carry. Long guns may be transported unloaded and cased without a license, but openly carrying loaded long guns in public spaces can trigger disorderly conduct charges. Brandishing or alarming display under RIGL 11-47-58.1 may result in additional charges. Schools, government buildings, and posted properties remain off-limits regardless of license type.
Carrying any pistol openly without a Rhode Island license violates RIGL 11-47-8 and constitutes a felony with significant prison exposure.
East Providence, RI
East Providence Code Sec. 10-51 sets quiet hours beginning at 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Loud noise after these times is...
East Providence, RI
East Providence addresses persistent barking under Chapter 3 (Animals) and Chapter 10 (Nuisances). Habitual barking constitutes a nuisance. Animal control ha...
East Providence, RI
East Providence regulates construction noise through Chapter 10 nuisance provisions. Construction must comply with quiet hours (10 PM Sun-Thu, 11 PM Fri-Sat)...
East Providence, RI
East Providence regulates driveways through zoning and building permits. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking standards in Ch. 19 (Zoning).
East Providence, RI
East Providence's zoning ordinance (Ch. 19) regulates RV storage on residential lots. RVs may not be used for residential occupancy. Extended on-street stora...
East Providence, RI
East Providence restricts commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning and traffic ordinances. The zoning code limits vehicle types permitted on r...
See how East Providence's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.