Firearms Preemption: Every State Ranked (2026)

Alabama allows permitless concealed carry of handguns for lawful adults, while still issuing optional permits for reciprocity, with state preemption blocking local restrictions.

Alabama law preempts most local firearm regulations, reserving authority over guns, ammunition, and accessories exclusively to the state legislature under Code Section 13A-11-61.3.

Alabama generally permits open carry of firearms for lawful adults, with local governments preempted from imposing stricter regulations under Code Section 13A-11-61.3.

Alabama Code Section 13A-11-73 allows lawful adults aged 19 and over to carry a handgun in a vehicle without a permit, subject to state preemption.

Alaska is a permitless carry state under AS 18.65.800, and concealed carry rules are set statewide, leaving local governments without authority to impose separate permit requirements.

Alaska Statute 29.35.145 broadly preempts municipalities and boroughs from regulating firearms, ammunition, and related accessories beyond very narrow exceptions allowed by state law.

Open carry of firearms by adults legally allowed to possess them is permitted throughout Alaska, with regulation reserved exclusively to the state under AS 29.35.145.

Alaska law permits adults 21 and older who may lawfully possess firearms to carry loaded handguns concealed or openly in vehicles without a permit, with local rules preempted under AS 29.35.145.

Arizona allows permitless concealed carry for adults 21 and older, while still issuing optional CCW permits that enable reciprocity with other states.

Arizona broadly preempts cities, towns, and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and related accessories beyond state law.

Arizona permits open carry of firearms by adults 18 and older without a license in most public spaces, subject to limited location restrictions.

Arizona allows adults 21 and older to carry loaded firearms openly or concealed in private vehicles without a permit, subject to limited restrictions.

Arkansas issues concealed handgun carry licenses through Arkansas State Police. Enhanced licenses allow carry in additional locations. Permitless carry is also recognized for qualifying adults under state interpretation of Act 746.

Arkansas law preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, and components. Local rules conflicting with state law are void, with limited exceptions for public buildings and employer policies recognized by statute.

Arkansas permits open carry of handguns by qualifying adults under state interpretation of Act 746. Local governments cannot restrict open carry beyond state law due to firearms preemption codified at Arkansas Code 14-16-504.

Arkansas allows lawful adults to carry handguns in personal vehicles without a license under state law. Local governments cannot impose additional vehicle-carry restrictions due to statewide firearms preemption recognized in Arkansas Code.

California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.

California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.

California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.

California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.

Colorado requires a concealed handgun permit issued by the county sheriff to carry a concealed firearm in public, with training and background check requirements.

Colorado repealed firearms preemption in 2021, allowing cities and counties to enact local gun regulations stricter than state law in most circumstances.

Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a license, though local jurisdictions may impose restrictions in specific areas after the 2021 preemption repeal.

Colorado allows adults legally able to possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection without a permit under CRS 18-12-105.5.

Connecticut requires a state pistol permit to carry concealed handguns, issued by local authorities under CGS 29-28 with statewide validity.

Connecticut law largely preempts municipal firearm regulation, with sale, storage, and licensing controlled at the state level under CGS Chapter 529.

Connecticut permits open carry of handguns by individuals holding a valid state pistol permit under CGS 29-35, with no separate open carry license.

Connecticut requires a state-issued permit to carry a pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle, with strict storage rules for those without a permit under CGS 29-35 and 29-38.

Delaware issues concealed deadly weapon licenses through the Prothonotary under 11 Del.C. 1441, requiring background checks, character references, and a published notice of intent before issuance.

Delaware preempts local firearms regulation under 22 Del.C. 111, reserving most firearm laws to the state legislature with limited municipal exceptions for police, parks, and public buildings.

Delaware generally permits open carry of firearms by individuals 18 or older without a permit, subject to location restrictions in schools, courthouses, and certain state buildings.

Delaware treats a loaded handgun in the passenger compartment of a vehicle as a concealed deadly weapon under 11 Del.C. 1442, requiring a Concealed Deadly Weapon License unless the firearm is unloaded and stored properly.

Florida allows permitless concealed carry of firearms by law-abiding adults under FS 790.01 and continues to issue concealed weapon licenses through FS 790.06, with both regimes preempting local concealed-carry restrictions.

Florida Statute 790.33 expressly preempts the entire field of firearm and ammunition regulation to the state, voiding all local ordinances and imposing personal civil penalties on local officials who knowingly enact or enforce conflicting rules.

Florida Statute 790.053 generally bans the open carry of firearms by individuals, with limited exceptions for hunting, fishing, camping, target shooting, and lawful self-defense, and preempts any local variance.

Florida Statute 790.25(5) allows any law-abiding person 18 or older to possess a concealed firearm in a private vehicle for self-defense, provided the firearm is securely encased or not readily accessible for immediate use, regardless of any concealed-carry license.

Georgia is a permitless concealed carry state under SB 319 (2022), allowing lawful weapons carriers to carry concealed handguns statewide subject to statutory location restrictions.

Georgia broadly preempts local firearms regulation under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173, reserving authority to the General Assembly while permitting limited local rules at government buildings and parks.

Georgia permits lawful weapons carriers to openly carry handguns in most public places, with statewide preemption limiting local restrictions on open carry.

Georgia permits any lawful weapons carrier or eligible person to carry a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126.

HRS 134-9 governs Hawaii concealed carry licensing. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen decision, Hawaii revised standards but maintains stringent training, application, and sensitive-place requirements administered by county police chiefs.

Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 134 establishes statewide firearms regulations, but unlike many states, Hawaii does not broadly preempt counties from enacting local firearms ordinances on certain matters.

Hawaii prohibits open carry of firearms in public without a license issued under HRS 134-9. Unlicensed open carry is a felony, making Hawaii one of the most restrictive states for visible firearm carrying.

Hawaii imposes some of the nation's strictest rules on carrying firearms in vehicles. HRS 134-25 and HRS 134-26 prohibit carrying a loaded or unloaded pistol, revolver, or long gun in a motor vehicle except under narrow license and transport exceptions.

Illinois issues shall-issue concealed carry licenses through the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, with statewide preemption of local handgun carry rules.

Illinois preempts most local firearm regulation under the FOID Card Act and Wildlife Code, leaving home rule cities limited authority over assault weapons and certain narrow areas.

Illinois bans open carry of firearms in public under the Criminal Code, allowing concealed carry only by Firearm Concealed Carry Act licensees with limited exceptions.

Illinois law sets uniform rules for transporting firearms in vehicles under the FOID Card Act and Firearm Concealed Carry Act, preempting local handgun transport ordinances.

Indiana allows permitless concealed carry by adults at least 18 who are not prohibited persons, and continues to issue optional handgun licenses for reciprocity and convenience.

Indiana law preempts local firearm regulation, barring cities and counties from passing or enforcing ordinances on firearms, ammunition, or accessories beyond state law.

Indiana permits open carry of handguns by lawful adults without a permit, subject to location-based restrictions and the state's preemption of local firearm regulation.

Indiana allows lawful adults at least 18 to carry a handgun in a vehicle without a permit, consistent with the state's permitless carry framework and firearms preemption.

Iowa allows permitless concealed carry for adults 21 and older as of 2021, while still issuing optional non-professional permits for reciprocity.

Iowa Code 724.28 broadly preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and accessories more strictly than state law.

Iowa permits open carry of handguns by qualifying adults statewide, though local preemption under Iowa Code 724.28 prevents stricter city rules.

Iowa allows qualifying adults 21 and older to carry loaded handguns in private vehicles without a permit under permitless carry reforms in House File 756.

Louisiana permits concealed handgun carry through state-issued permits and, as of 2024, allows permitless concealed carry for adults 18 and older meeting eligibility requirements.

Louisiana law preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority over firearms, ammunition, and components to the state legislature with very narrow exceptions.

Louisiana generally permits open carry of firearms by law-abiding adults without a license, subject to location-based restrictions and local discharge ordinances.

Louisiana law allows law-abiding adults to transport and carry handguns in personal vehicles, with permitless concealed carry available statewide for qualifying adults 18 and older.

Maine is a permitless carry state for residents 21 and older, while still issuing concealed handgun permits recognized for reciprocity and certain restricted areas.

Maine preempts local firearms regulation under 25 MRS section 2011, with limited municipal authority allowed for discharge ordinances and certain public buildings.

Maine generally permits open carry of firearms by lawful possessors, governed primarily by state law with municipalities preempted from imposing additional carry restrictions.

Maine permits handgun carry in motor vehicles by lawful possessors under 25 MRS section 2001-A, with permitless concealed carry available to qualifying residents 21 and older.

Maryland issues Wear and Carry Permits through the State Police and prohibits concealed carry in many sensitive locations across the state.

Maryland preempts most local firearms regulation but allows charter counties and Baltimore City to regulate the discharge of firearms within their jurisdiction.

Maryland generally prohibits the open carry of handguns in public without a Wear and Carry Permit, with very narrow exceptions for property and travel.

Maryland prohibits carrying or transporting a handgun in a vehicle without a Wear and Carry Permit, with narrow statutory exceptions for unloaded transport.

Massachusetts requires a License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to carry concealed handguns, with applications processed by local police chiefs subject to suitability review.

Massachusetts grants local police chiefs significant licensing authority over firearms while state law sets uniform standards through MGL Chapter 140 for licensing, sales, and possession statewide.

Massachusetts technically permits open carry with a valid License to Carry, but the practice is rare and discouraged, with municipalities and businesses commonly prohibiting visible firearms.

Massachusetts requires a valid License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to transport loaded handguns in a vehicle, with strict storage rules applying to long guns and unlicensed possession.

Minnesota issues permits to carry pistols under the Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act, codified at Minn. Stat. 624.714, with sheriffs administering shall-issue permitting for qualified applicants.

Minnesota statute 471.633 broadly preempts local firearms regulation, reserving authority over the lawful sale, transfer, possession, carrying, transportation, storage, and use of firearms to the state legislature.

Minnesota law treats open carry of a pistol the same as concealed carry, requiring a permit under Minn. Stat. 624.714, while long-gun open carry is generally lawful absent local discharge or trespass issues.

Minnesota requires a permit to carry a pistol on or about the person or in a vehicle under Minn. Stat. 624.714, with state preemption barring stricter local rules under Minn. Stat. 471.633.

Mississippi recognizes both a permit-based concealed carry license and permitless carry for adults legally able to possess firearms, with the Department of Public Safety administering the enhanced permit program.

Mississippi Code Section 45-9-51 broadly preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, or related items, with very narrow exceptions for public buildings and parades.

Mississippi permits open carry of firearms by lawful adults under its constitutional and statutory framework, and Miss. Code 45-9-51 prevents local governments from restricting open carry within their jurisdictions.

Miss. Code Section 45-9-101 establishes Mississippi's licensed concealed carry framework while related provisions and case law confirm that lawful adults may carry firearms in private motor vehicles without a permit, with statewide preemption barring local restrictions.

Missouri is a permitless concealed carry state and bars localities from imposing additional rules on concealed firearms beyond what RSMo 21.750 and Chapter 571 permit, ensuring uniform statewide carry standards.

Missouri broadly preempts local firearm regulation under RSMo 21.750, reserving most gun-related legislation to the state legislature and barring city or county ordinances on possession, transport, or registration.

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.

Missouri RSMo 571.030 allows adults 19 and older to carry concealed firearms in vehicles without a permit, and state preemption blocks cities from adding stricter local vehicle-carry rules.

Montana permits concealed carry without a permit for most adults under HB 102 (2021), while still issuing optional permits under MCA 45-8-321 for reciprocity and convenience.

Montana statute MCA 45-8-351 broadly preempts local governments from regulating the purchase, sale, ownership, possession, transportation, or transfer of firearms and ammunition.

Open carry of firearms is broadly lawful in Montana for adults who may legally possess a firearm, with local restrictions preempted by MCA 45-8-351.

Montana law under MCA 45-8-316 generally allows adults to carry firearms in vehicles, with permitless concealed carry now extended to most public places under HB 102 (2021).

Nevada is a shall-issue state requiring a permit to carry concealed firearms, with sheriff-issued CCW permits valid for five years subject to training requirements.

Nevada law preempts local firearm ordinances, reserving regulation of firearms, ammunition, and components to the state legislature, with narrow exceptions.

Nevada generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, subject to location restrictions and the state preemption framework.

Nevada allows loaded firearms in private vehicles without a permit, but concealment on the person within a vehicle still requires a CCW permit under state law.

RSA 159:6 allows residents and nonresidents to carry concealed loaded firearms without a license, while still offering optional permits for reciprocity.

RSA 159:26 reserves all firearm and ammunition regulation to the state, voiding most local New Hampshire ordinances on guns, knives, and related items.

Open carry of handguns and long guns is lawful in New Hampshire without a license, subject to RSA 159 location limits and federal prohibitions.

Under RSA 159:4 and 159:6, New Hampshire allows loaded handguns in vehicles without a permit, with state preemption barring local restrictions on transport.

New Jersey issues concealed carry permits under NJSA 2C:58-4 with strict justifiable need replaced by shall-issue standards post-Bruen, while sensitive-place restrictions limit where permitted carry is lawful.

New Jersey reserves firearm regulation to the state under NJSA 2C:39, broadly preempting local ordinances on possession, registration, transport, and most aspects of gun control across all municipalities.

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 strictly regulates firearm transport in vehicles under NJSA 2C:39-5 and 2C:39-6, requiring unloaded firearms in locked containers absent a valid Permit to Carry, with serious penalties for noncompliance.

New Mexico requires a state-issued concealed handgun license to carry a concealed firearm, with training, background checks, and age requirements administered by the Department of Public Safety.

New Mexico law preempts local firearms regulation but allows certain restrictions, particularly for concealed carry on municipal property and at public events under specific local conditions.

Open carry of firearms is generally legal in New Mexico without a permit for adults, though state law and the constitution restrict carry in specific locations and on certain public premises.

New Mexico permits adults to carry a loaded firearm in a private vehicle without a permit, treating the vehicle as an extension of the home, though concealed carry on the person still requires a license.

New York requires a state-issued concealed carry license under Penal Law § 400.00, with mandatory training and a long list of statewide sensitive locations where carry is forbidden.

New York centralizes pistol licensing and possession standards statewide under the Penal Law, leaving little room for local handgun regulation outside New York City's special carve-out.

New York effectively prohibits open carry of handguns statewide, and the Concealed Carry Improvement Act treats visible carry the same as concealed carry under license rules.

New York Penal Law treats a vehicle as a public place for firearm purposes, requiring a valid pistol license to transport a handgun and strict storage rules for long guns and ammunition statewide.

North Carolina issues concealed handgun permits through county sheriffs under NCGS 14-415.10 and recognizes reciprocity with many states; permitless carry is not authorized statewide.

North Carolina preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, and concealed handgun permitting beyond what state law expressly allows under NCGS 14-409.40.

North Carolina generally permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit, but local discharge ordinances and posted-property restrictions may apply under state law.

North Carolina permits transporting firearms in a vehicle, but a handgun carried concealed within reach generally requires a concealed handgun permit under NCGS 14-269 and 14-415.10.

North Dakota allows constitutional concealed carry for residents 18 and older under NDCC 62.1-04, while still offering optional permits for reciprocity with other states.

North Dakota broadly preempts local firearm regulation under NDCC 62.1-01-03, reserving most gun-related ordinance authority to the state legislature with narrow exceptions for discharge.

North Dakota permits open carry of firearms by eligible adults under NDCC 62.1, with location-based limits and the state preempting most local open carry restrictions.

North Dakota allows eligible adults to carry loaded firearms in vehicles under NDCC 62.1-04, with constitutional carry permitting concealed transport without a permit statewide.

Ohio allows permitless concealed carry for qualifying adults aged 21 and over while still issuing concealed handgun licenses for reciprocity and other benefits.

Ohio Revised Code 9.68 preempts local firearm ordinances, reserving authority over firearms regulation almost entirely to the state legislature.

Ohio is an open-carry state for handguns and long guns by qualifying adults, with local restrictions largely preempted by state law under ORC 9.68.

Ohio Revised Code 2923.16 governs how loaded and unloaded firearms may be transported in motor vehicles, with statewide rules preempting local conflicts.

Oklahoma authorizes both permitless constitutional carry for eligible adults and the Self-Defense Act handgun license, governed by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act under Title 21.

Oklahoma law preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, and components, reserving authority to the state legislature with narrow exceptions for state-permitted facilities.

Oklahoma permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under constitutional carry and the Self-Defense Act, subject to location restrictions and private property rights.

Oklahoma authorizes eligible adults to transport and carry handguns and long guns in private motor vehicles under permitless carry, with state preemption barring stricter local vehicle carry rules.

Rhode Island operates a dual-track concealed carry licensing system under RIGL 11-47-11 and 11-47-18, with both the Attorney General and local licensing authorities issuing permits subject to different standards.

Rhode Island General Laws section 11-47-58 establishes limited statewide preemption of firearm regulation, reserving most licensing and possession rules to state law while allowing some municipal authority over discharge and zoning.

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 General Laws section 11-47-8 makes it a felony to carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle without a Rhode Island concealed carry license, with limited exemptions for transport to ranges, gunsmiths, or new residences.

South Carolina allows concealed carry under permit and, since 2024, lawful permitless carry by eligible adults aged 18 or older.

South Carolina law preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and related accessories beyond what state law expressly authorizes.

South Carolina permits open carry of handguns by eligible adults under the 2021 Open Carry With Training Act and the 2024 permitless carry law.

South Carolina allows lawful adults to carry a loaded handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under the 2024 constitutional carry expansion of Section 23-31-215.

South Dakota allows constitutional carry for residents 18 and older and offers enhanced and gold permits for reciprocity with other states under SDCL Title 23.

South Dakota law preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, and accessories beyond what state law expressly authorizes, ensuring uniform statewide gun rules.

South Dakota allows open carry of firearms by adults legally able to possess them, with state preemption barring most local restrictions on visible carry.

South Dakota allows adults to carry concealed or openly in a private motor vehicle without a permit, with limited restrictions on loaded long guns and school zones.

Tennessee allows permitless concealed and open carry for adults 21 and older (or qualified 18-20 year olds) under T.C.A. 39-17-1307 and 1351, with optional enhanced and concealed permits available.

Tennessee law preempts virtually all local regulation of firearms, ammunition, and components, reserving authority exclusively to the state legislature under T.C.A. 39-17-1314.

Open carry of handguns is lawful in Tennessee under permitless carry, but rifles and shotguns are subject to general unlawful-carry rules in T.C.A. 39-17-1307.

Tennessee allows eligible adults to carry handguns openly or concealed in private motor vehicles without a permit under T.C.A. 39-17-1351 and 39-17-1307, preempting stricter local rules.

Vermont permits concealed carry without a license for individuals legally allowed to possess firearms, a longstanding policy known as Vermont Carry.

Vermont law preempts most municipal firearms regulation under 24 V.S.A. section 2295, with limited exceptions for discharge ordinances within municipal boundaries.

Vermont permits open carry of firearms without a license for individuals legally allowed to possess firearms, subject to state and federal restrictions.

Vermont allows lawful firearm transport in vehicles without a permit, with state preemption under 24 V.S.A. 2295 barring local restrictions on vehicle carry beyond state law.

Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards administered by circuit courts; localities cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements.

Virginia preempts most local firearm regulation under Code 15.2-915, but a 2020 amendment lets localities restrict firearms in specific public buildings, parks, recreation centers, and permitted events.

Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, though Code 18.2-287.4 restricts certain loaded high-capacity weapons in named public areas of larger localities.

Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed compartment lawful without a permit; localities are preempted by Code 15.2-915.

Washington issues concealed pistol licenses under RCW 9.41.070 on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants, with statewide preemption preventing local concealed carry rules.

Washington RCW 9.41.290 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority over firearm laws to the state legislature with very limited exceptions.

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.

Washington RCW 9.41.050 governs carrying firearms in vehicles statewide, requiring a concealed pistol license to carry a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle.

Wisconsin issues shall-issue concealed weapon licenses to qualified residents age 21+ who complete training, pass a background check, and pay required fees, with statewide preemption preventing local rules.

Wisconsin Statute 66.0409 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, barring cities, villages, towns, and counties from enacting ordinances stricter than state law on possession, transportation, sale, or registration of firearms and ammunition.

Wisconsin permits adults at least 18 who are not prohibited persons to openly carry firearms in public without a permit, with statewide preemption blocking local restrictions on lawful open carry.

Wisconsin Statute 941.23 makes carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a CCW license a misdemeanor, while open carry and licensed concealed carry inside vehicles are lawful statewide subject to limited prohibited zones.

Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older and issues optional shall-issue permits recognized for reciprocity in many other states.

Wyoming law preempts cities, towns and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, and accessories beyond what state statute provides, ensuring uniform gun rules statewide.

Wyoming permits open carry of handguns and long guns by adults legally allowed to possess firearms, with no permit requirement and broad statewide preemption.

Wyoming allows law abiding adults to carry concealed firearms in their vehicles without a permit under W.S. 6-8-104, and statewide preemption bars cities and counties from imposing inconsistent vehicle carry rules on residents and visitors traveling Wyoming roads.

Kansas allows permitless concealed carry for adults 21 and older, while still issuing optional permits for reciprocity in other states.

Kansas broadly preempts cities and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, components, and accessories beyond what state law specifically authorizes.

Kansas permits the open carry of firearms by lawful adults statewide and prevents cities and counties from banning open carry.

Kansas permits adults 21 and older to carry loaded handguns concealed in vehicles without a permit, with statewide preemption barring local restrictions.

Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry for adults 21 and older legally able to possess firearms, while continuing to issue concealed deadly weapon licenses. Local governments cannot impose stricter rules than state law.

Kentucky law preempts local firearms regulation, reserving authority to the General Assembly. Cities, counties, and urban-county governments cannot enact ordinances regulating firearms, ammunition, or components beyond limited exceptions in state law.

Open carry of firearms is generally lawful for adults in Kentucky who can legally possess a firearm. State preemption prevents local governments from banning open carry, though specified posted locations remain off-limits.

Kentucky allows lawful adults to carry firearms openly or concealed inside a motor vehicle without a permit. Permitless concealed carry at 21 and statewide preemption prevent local governments from imposing stricter vehicle carry rules.

Michigan issues Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) under MCL 28.425 series, with statewide rules that local governments cannot override or supplement.

Michigan law preempts local firearms regulation, reserving authority over guns and ammunition exclusively to the state legislature under MCL 123.1102.

Michigan generally permits open carry of legally owned firearms in public, with state law preempting local restrictions per MCL 123.1102.

Michigan law under MCL 750.227 makes it a felony to carry a concealed pistol in a vehicle without a valid Concealed Pistol License or other statutory exemption.

Since LB 77 took effect September 2, 2023, any Nebraska resident 21 or older who is not a prohibited person may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Optional Concealed Handgun Permits remain available under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act for reciprocity.

Nebraska law preempts cities, villages, and counties from adopting most firearms regulations. Neb. Rev. Stat. 17-556 and 18-1703, broadened by LB 77 in 2023, reserve gun policy to the state and override conflicting municipal ordinances on possession, carry, transfer, transport, and storage.

Nebraska does not require a permit to openly carry a firearm by adults who can lawfully possess one. State preemption under Neb. Rev. Stat. 18-1703 limits local restrictions, but cities may regulate discharge and ban firearms in posted public buildings.

Nebraska allows lawful adults to carry handguns in vehicles, openly or concealed, without a permit after LB 77 (2023). Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1202 and 69-2441 govern vehicle carry, with preemption under 18-1703 voiding stricter local ordinances on transport or storage.

Oregon issues concealed handgun licenses through county sheriffs under ORS 166.291, with statewide eligibility, training, and reciprocity standards.

Oregon law preempts most local firearm regulation but permits limited city and county rules in public buildings and on adjacent grounds.

Open carry of firearms is generally lawful in Oregon, but limited local ordinances may restrict loaded carry in incorporated public places.

Oregon allows firearms in private vehicles, but concealed loaded handguns inside a vehicle generally require a concealed handgun license under ORS 166.250.

Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state requiring a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) issued by the county sheriff for concealed carry or carry in a vehicle, with statewide rules under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6109.

Pennsylvania broadly preempts municipal firearm regulation under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6120, blocking cities, counties, and townships from passing ordinances on lawful firearm ownership, transport, transfer, or possession beyond state law.

Open carry of firearms is generally legal in Pennsylvania for adults 18 or older without a permit outside Philadelphia, but a License to Carry Firearms is required statewide for vehicle and concealed carry.

Under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6106, carrying a firearm in a vehicle anywhere in Pennsylvania generally requires a valid License to Carry Firearms, with limited exceptions for unloaded transport between specified lawful locations.

Utah recognizes both a concealed firearm permit under Title 53 Chapter 5 and permitless concealed carry for qualifying adults statewide, preempting local restrictions.

Utah Code 53-5a-102 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority to the Legislature with limited exceptions for state property and government buildings.

Utah generally allows open carry of firearms by adults who may lawfully possess them, with local regulation preempted by Utah Code 53-5a-102.

Utah Code 76-10-505 and related sections govern carrying firearms in vehicles, allowing loaded carry by qualifying adults under permitless carry while preempting local rules.

West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for adults aged 21 and older and issues optional shall-issue permits for reciprocity and federal purposes.

West Virginia broadly preempts municipal and county firearm regulation under W. Va. Code 8-12-5a, leaving most lawmaking authority to the Legislature.

West Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by lawful adults without a license, subject to location-based restrictions in state law.

West Virginia allows lawful adults to carry firearms in their motor vehicles without a permit, consistent with the state's permitless carry law and broad preemption of local rules.

Idaho permits residents 18 and older to carry concealed firearms statewide without a license under Idaho Code 18-3302, while still offering enhanced and standard permits for reciprocity in other states.

Idaho Code 18-3302J broadly preempts local government regulation of firearms, ammunition, and components, voiding city or county gun ordinances that exceed state law and protecting uniform statewide firearm rights.

Idaho is an open-carry state allowing any person legally able to possess a firearm to carry it openly without a permit, with local restrictions preempted under Idaho Code 18-3302J firearms preemption.

Idaho Code 18-3302 allows residents 18 or older who may legally possess a firearm to carry loaded handguns concealed in vehicles without a permit, while preemption blocks any local vehicle-carry restrictions.

Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.

Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.

Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.

Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.