Missouri permits open carry statewide, but RSMo 21.750 lets cities restrict open carry within their limits while exempting valid concealed carry permit holders from those local restrictions.
Open carry of firearms is generally lawful in Missouri for adults who can lawfully possess a firearm. RSMo 21.750 creates a narrow exception to broad firearm preemption, allowing political subdivisions to regulate the open carrying of firearms readily capable of lethal use within their boundaries. However, the same statute prohibits enforcement of any such local open-carry restriction against a person holding a valid Missouri concealed carry permit or a permit recognized under reciprocity. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have ordinances restricting open carry of loaded firearms, but those rules cannot be applied to permit holders. Vehicle carry, transport in luggage, and travel between residence and vehicle remain protected statewide.
Violating a valid local open-carry restriction is typically a municipal ordinance violation with fines. Permit holders charged under such ordinances have a statutory defense under RSMo 21.750.
Independence, MO
Independence prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and t...
Independence, MO
Independence regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new...
Independence, MO
Independence regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Independence, MO
Independence 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.
Independence, MO
Independence requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Independence, MO
Independence restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nu...
See how Independence's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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