Pennsylvania Open Carry Rules Outside Philadelphia

Pennsylvania law does not contain a general statute prohibiting open carry of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise disqualified. Outside Philadelphia, an adult who lawfully possesses a firearm may carry it openly in public places without a permit. Within the City of Philadelphia, however, 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6108 prohibits carrying firearms on public streets or property without a License to Carry Firearms, regardless of whether the carry is open or concealed. The local preemption statute at Section 6120 prevents other municipalities from layering on stricter open-carry rules, and various federal and state location restrictions (courts, schools, federal buildings) still apply.

Unlicensed open carry in Philadelphia violates Section 6108; carrying while disqualified violates Section 6105.