Oregon Statewide Rule
Oregon Open Carry Laws and Local Public Place Limits
Key Facts
- License Required
- No state license required for open carry
- Cities May
- Cities may regulate loaded public carry
- CHL Holders
- CHL holders exempt from many local rules
- Limits
- Schools and courthouses remain off-limits
Summary
Open carry of firearms is generally lawful in Oregon, but limited local ordinances may restrict loaded carry in incorporated public places.
166.173 Authority of city or county to regulate possession of loaded firearms in public places. (1) A city or county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the possession of loaded firearms in public places as defined in ORS 161.015. (2) Ordinances adopted under subsection (1) of this section do not apply to or affect: (a) A law enforcement officer. (b) A member of the military in the performance of official duty. (c) A person licensed to carry a concealed handgun. (d) A person authorized to possess a loaded firearm while in or on a public building or court facility under ORS 166.370. (e) An employee of the United States Department of Agriculture, acting within the scope of employment, who possesses a loaded firearm in the course of the lawful taking of wildlife. (f) An honorably retired law enforcement officer, unless the person who is a retired law enforcement officer has been convicted of an offense that would make the person ineligible to obtain a concealed handgun license under ORS 166.291 and 166.292.
Full Breakdown
Oregon does not require a license to openly carry a firearm statewide, and ORS 166.170 preempts most local restrictions. However, ORS 166.173 expressly authorizes cities to regulate possession of loaded firearms in public places by ordinance, including parks, sidewalks, and streets within municipal boundaries. Several Oregon cities, including Portland, have adopted such ordinances, with concealed handgun license holders typically exempted. Open carry remains barred in posted public buildings, courthouses, schools, and federal facilities. Vehicle carry rules under ORS 166.250 require firearms to be unloaded if carried concealed without a CHL.
Violations & Penalties
Violating a local loaded-firearm ordinance is typically a Class C misdemeanor or local infraction with fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open carry legal across Oregon?
Does a CHL exempt me from city loaded-carry bans?
Sources
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