District of Columbia Statewide Rule
District of Columbia Bans Open Carry of Pistols
Key Facts
- Open carry
- Banned outright, no exceptions
- Licensees
- Must conceal at all times
- First offense
- Up to 5 years
- Repeat offense
- Up to 10 years
- Enforcement
- Metropolitan Police Department
Summary
Washington, D.C. prohibits openly carrying a pistol anywhere in the District. Even residents holding a concealed-carry license may never carry openly: every licensed pistol must stay concealed at all times.
No person shall carry within the District of Columbia either openly or concealed on or about their person, a pistol, without a license issued pursuant to District of Columbia law, or any deadly or dangerous weapon.
Full Breakdown
D.C. Official Code § 22-4504(a) makes it a crime to carry a pistol within the District 'either openly or concealed' without a license. The District issues concealed-carry licenses under § 22-4506, but § 7-2509.07 flatly bars a licensee from carrying 'a pistol openly or otherwise in a manner that is not concealed.' There is no open-carry option in D.C., not for residents, not for visitors, not for permit holders. The Metropolitan Police Department enforces the ban. A first § 22-4504 violation is punishable by a fine and up to 5 years imprisonment; a subsequent conviction carries up to 10 years.
Violations & Penalties
Metropolitan Police Department enforces the ban. Carrying a pistol openly without a license draws a fine and up to 5 years imprisonment; up to 10 years for a repeat offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open carry with a D.C. concealed-carry license?
What is the penalty for open carry in D.C.?
Sources
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