Pennsylvania Statewide Rule
Pennsylvania Open Carry Rules Outside Philadelphia
Key Facts
- No Statewide Permit
- No statewide permit required for open carry outside Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Requires Ltcf
- Philadelphia requires LTCF under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6108
- Vehicle Carry Always
- Vehicle carry always requires an LTCF under Section 6106
- Section 6120 Preempts
- Section 6120 preempts stricter local rules
- Location-based Restrictions (courts,
- Location-based restrictions (courts, schools) still apply
Summary
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.
§ 6108. Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia. No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless: (1) such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or (2) such person is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
Unlicensed open carry in Philadelphia violates Section 6108; carrying while disqualified violates Section 6105.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a city other than Philadelphia ban open carry in parks?
Is open carry legal while driving in Pennsylvania?
Sources
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