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.
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See how Foster Center's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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