Virginia Statewide Rule
Virginia Open Carry Rules for Handguns and Long Guns
Key Facts
- Age Restriction
- Open carry generally lawful at age 18+
- Code 18.2-287.4
- Code 18.2-287.4 restricts large-capacity loaded long guns
- Restriction
- Restrictions apply in listed urban localities
- Permit
- Local public-place bans permitted post-2020
- Federal Prohibitions
- Federal prohibitions still apply
Summary
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.
§ 18.2-287.4 . (Effective until July 1, 2027) Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry a loaded (a) semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (b) shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered on or about his person on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public in the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, or Virginia Beach or in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William. The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or any person having a valid concealed handgun permit or to any person actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at an established shooting range or shooting contest. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Open carry of handguns and long guns is lawful for non-prohibited adults age 18 and over throughout Virginia, with state preemption under Code 15.2-915 limiting local interference. Code 18.2-287.4 makes it unlawful to carry a loaded semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, or a loaded shotgun with magazine over 7 rounds, on public streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way in cities, certain large counties including Henrico, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington, and on public property in towns within those counties.
Violations & Penalties
Violating Code 18.2-287.4 is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Open carry in restricted public buildings or events under Code 15.2-915 ordinances is also a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to open carry in Virginia?
Can a city ban open carry on its streets?
Sources
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