Wisconsin Statewide Rule
Wisconsin Open Carry Rules and Limits
Key Facts
- Open carry lawful
- Open carry lawful at age 18 without a permit
- Prohibited in courthouses
- Prohibited in courthouses and K-12 schools
- Federal school-zone law
- Federal school-zone law overlays state rules
- Vehicle carry may
- Vehicle carry may require a CCW license
- Preemption
- Local bans preempted by 66.0409
Summary
Wisconsin permits adults at least 18 who are not prohibited persons to openly carry firearms in public without a permit, with statewide preemption blocking local restrictions on lawful open carry.
Unless other facts and circumstances that indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of the person apply, no person may be in violation of, or be charged with a violation of, an ordinance of a political subdivision relating to disorderly conduct or other inappropriate behavior for loading a firearm, or for carrying or going armed with a firearm or a knife, without regard to whether the firearm is loaded or the firearm or the knife is concealed or openly carried. Any ordinance in violation of this subsection does not apply and may not be enforced.
Full Breakdown
Wisconsin recognizes open carry as a lawful activity for adults 18 and older who may legally possess a firearm. No license is required for open carry. Restrictions include the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, which generally prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of K-12 schools unless the carrier holds a Wisconsin concealed carry license. Open carriers may not bring firearms into courthouses, police stations, secure mental health facilities, beyond airport security, or onto posted private property. Vehicles complicate matters because a firearm placed out of plain view may constitute concealed carry, requiring a CCW license. Section 66.0409 preempts local open-carry restrictions.
Violations & Penalties
Disorderly conduct charges have been used against open carriers acting in alarming ways, though courts have limited that approach when carry alone is peaceful. Carrying in prohibited zones such as schools triggers state and federal penalties up to felony charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to open carry in Wisconsin?
Can I open carry into a vehicle?
Sources
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