San Diego, CA Firearms: Open Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- Handgun open-carry ban
- Penal Code 26350
- Long-gun open-carry ban
- Penal Code 26400
- Loaded carry ban
- Penal Code 25850
- City coverage
- Entire city, fully incorporated
Summary
California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. San Diego is fully incorporated, so open carry is illegal everywhere in the city.
(a) (1) A person is guilty of openly carrying an unloaded handgun when that person carries upon his or her person an exposed and unloaded handgun outside a vehicle while in or on any of the following: (A) A public place or public street in an incorporated city or city and county. (B) A public street in a prohibited area of an unincorporated area of a county or city and county. (C) A public place in a prohibited area of a county or city and county. (2) A person is guilty of openly carrying an unloaded handgun when that person carries an exposed and unloaded handgun inside or on a vehicle, whether or not on his or her person, while in or on any of the following: (A) A public place or public street in an incorporated city or city and county. (B) A public street in a prohibited area of an unincorporated area of a county or city and county. (C) A public place in a prohibited area of a county or city and county. (b) (1) Except as specified in paragraph (2), a violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Penal Code section 26350 makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street within an incorporated area. Section 26400 extends the same rule to unloaded long guns. Loaded open carry in public is separately barred by Penal Code section 25850. Because every parcel inside San Diego city limits is incorporated, no zone permits open carry, including beaches, parks, sidewalks, and parking lots. Narrow exceptions cover hunting on permitted land, target ranges, and on-duty peace officers. CCW holders carrying concealed are not affected by these open-carry bans.
Violations & Fines
Open carry is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 26350 or 26400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines; loaded open carry under section 25850 carries equivalent penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I openly carry a rifle while hiking in Mission Trails?
Are antique or black-powder firearms exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California firearms overview
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