The term “open carry” is commonly heard when talking about the civilian use of weaponry. We all know that this obviously means to carry a weapon openly. So what are the gritty details and from where does this term originate. I hope to answer the common questions surrounding open carry and make it just a little easier to understand.
The Basics
Open carry is publicly carrying a weapon in plain sight of another person(s). That being said, the first question that comes to mind is “what is plain sight”… is it on a belt, on the back, what about a shirt pocket??? This is where things can get a little messy. “Plain Sight” is broadly defined as not being hidden from common view of those around you. The problem is, different states interpret the meaning of plain sight differently than others. In some states, plain sight means that the weapon is partially visible to those around you. In other states, it means that the weapon can be fully seen.
Types of Open Carry Laws (Primarily Firearms)
Permissive Open Carry Laws
Permissive open carry defines law around firearms. This does not prohibit open carry for everyone who has not been prohibited for any reason and does not require a license or permit to carry. This is lawful while in a car or during walking. While it is legal to carry this way, if you are carrying a firearm you may be detained by law enforcement if there is public alarm.
Licensed Open Carry
This is where all citizens who have not been prohibited to carry, can carry after they have received a permit or license. This is also allowed in a vehicle and on foot.
Anomalous Open Carry
This is where the legality of openly carrying a weapon is different by state, because of local laws. These local laws can lead to different restrictions and sometimes no carry at all.
Non-Permissive Open Carry
This means that no open carry is allowed, or it is allowed but there are very strict restrictions so it is pretty much not allowed. A few examples of this may be lawful self-defense, carrying on your own property and hunting.
Rural Open Carry
This is effective in states where open carry is not allowed but in some areas, the population is so low that there are exceptions made for open carry in these areas.
Note
Those prohibited to carry firearms are usually prohibited because of felonies committed, misdemeanors or domestic violence, those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and citizens admitted into mental institutions.
Open Carry and the Second Amendment
Open carry is one of the ways our second amendment rights are upheld. The second amendment states “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The ability we have to open carry firearms in some form or another is in part what gives us our second amendment rights.
What are the Rules in My State?
The different types of “open carry rules” vary by state. They are as follows:
Permissive: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Licensed: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Utah
Anomalous: Arkansas, California, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
Non-Permissive: Florida, Illinois, South Carolina and Texas.
Commonalities
There are a few commonalities throughout the states based on federal laws concerning open carry. For example, no open carry is allowed on school grounds, courthouses and at some public events.
Conclusion
Whether you are toting around a knife, gun or some other tool, it is best to abide by the law. Look more specifically into the details of the carry laws in your state. I hope this helped. STAY INFORMED!
Hello I’m in Alabama we have open carry You can open carry a Bowie knife on your hip on my question is if I have it in my hip and I step into a vehicle is that considered concealed carry even though it’s on my hips I would really appreciate it if you answer me back I can’t seem to find any other answer for this question anywhere else
Not very informative.
Open carry cannot mean an entire weapon is in plain view, as that would require a handgun to be carried outside a holster, probably being held in one’s hand. But, a handgun in hand is reasonable cause for public alarm. Extrapolating this to a fixed blade knife, the plain sight requirement should be met by carrying it in a sheath as long as the sheath is not concealed. As to a pocket knife, carrying in a belt sheath should suffice as long as the sheath is not concealed, and a pocket knife “sheathed” in a pocket should be regarded as in plain view as long as the pocket is not concealed and the knife’s pocket clip is visible.
Bottom line seems to be that one can lawfully carry a knife opening, in a belt sheath or clipped in one’s pocket, as long as one’s shirt stays tucked in and no jacket or coat that obscures the belt and pocket are worn.
Wish I could be you.
I live in Nebraska, and as I read open carrying a knife is illegal. As I understand it open carrying a knife or handgun is illegal. As I understand with a firearm it HAS to be in a holster and not just Velcroed to one’s side, same with a knife. I think that a sheath that covers the knife should be allowed if it already is. I’ve spoken with LEO’s and they have differing views.