Illinois bans open carry of firearms in public under the Criminal Code, allowing concealed carry only by Firearm Concealed Carry Act licensees with limited exceptions.
Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/24-1) makes the unlawful use of weapons, including carrying any firearm openly on or about the person, a criminal offense in most public settings. The Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) authorizes only concealed carry by licensees. Limited exceptions exist for hunting under the Wildlife Code, target shooting at licensed ranges, and carrying on one's own real property or fixed place of business. Local governments cannot create open carry rights inconsistent with state law.
Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 is generally a Class 4 felony, with enhanced penalties for prior convictions or prohibited locations.
See how Edwardsville's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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