Washington allows open carry of firearms by qualified adults without a permit, with limited statutory restrictions and broad preemption barring most local open carry rules.
Open carry of firearms is generally legal in Washington for adults aged 18 and over who are not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law. No permit is required for open carry of long guns or pistols outside vehicles, although carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle requires a CPL under RCW 9.41.050. RCW 9.41.290 preempts local regulation, so cities and counties cannot ban open carry in most public places. However, RCW 9.41.305 prohibits open carry of firearms at permitted demonstrations on public property and at the State Capitol. Schools, courts, and other locations under RCW 9.41.300 also restrict open carry.
Unlawful open carry at restricted locations may be a gross misdemeanor or felony depending on location. Carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle without a CPL is a misdemeanor.
Kirkland, WA
Leaf blowers and power equipment are restricted to 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays under KMC 11.84A. Kirkland has not adopted...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland sits about 20 miles north of Sea-Tac and is lightly affected by commercial flights. Kenmore Air seaplanes and Renton Municipal general aviation caus...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban, but enforces the 72-hour rule, signed residential permit zones, and no-parking signs at parks, tra...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland driveways must remain paved, accessible, and used for vehicle parking per KMC Title 115 zoning code, which limits front-yard paving and requires app...
Kirkland, WA
EV charging in Kirkland follows the Washington State Energy Code, which requires EV-ready capacity in new multifamily and commercial parking and protects pub...
Kirkland, WA
Under KZC 115.40, Kirkland fences may be up to 6 feet except within 15 feet of a street curb. Properties on a neighborhood access or collector street are cap...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Kirkland's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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