New Jersey effectively prohibits open carry of handguns without a Permit to Carry under NJSA 2C:39-5, and long-gun open carry is restricted in most public contexts.
New Jersey law does not distinguish open from concealed carry of handguns; both require a Permit to Carry under NJSA 2C:58-4. Carrying any handgun in public without a valid permit constitutes unlawful possession under NJSA 2C:39-5(b). Long guns may not be transported loaded except in limited circumstances such as licensed hunting in season. Even with a Permit to Carry, holders should generally conceal their handguns to avoid public alarm and possible disorderly persons charges. The state's restrictive framework places New Jersey among the most stringent jurisdictions for open-carry conduct.
Unlawful possession of a handgun in public without a Permit to Carry is a second-degree crime carrying 5-10 years imprisonment and Graves Act mandatory minimums.
See how Sparta's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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