imported post
Anyone who is legal allowed to own and purchase a handgun may open carry in NC. No permit, license or other documentation is required to OC in NC.
However, if you're going to be carrying it in your car you really only have 2 options to be safe:
First option--have it PLAINLY VISIBLE, like on the seat or on the dashboard.
Second option--have a Concealed carry permit that is recognized by NC. If you are going to keep it under the seat, in the glovebox, or on your hip (or otherwise obscured from plain view) while in your car, a CHP is required. Florida CFL's are recognized in NC.
Also, if you're going to be carrying concealed, and you get stopped in your car, before you do ANYTHING (including reaching for your ID and registration) the FIRST thing you need to do is politely inform the officer that "you have a current Concealed Firearms Permit in the state of Florida, and you are currently carrying." Then wait for further instructions. Usually they will ask you where it is--JUST TELL HIM--don't point, motion, or reach for it. Then wait--he'll probably ask for your DL and your CFL. Tell him where it is, and slowly retrieve it.
I keep my DL and my NC CHP in a small "business card flip" that I carry in my shirt pocket when I travel. It's easy to get to, I don't have to shift around when I'm in the car to get to it, and I don't have to reach anywhere near my firearm. Might be something you consider if you travel a lot. I also keep my registration and insurance card in a little vinyl folder (that I got in an auto parts store) in my sun visor, rather than in the glovebox.
But then again, just don't do anything that would get you pulled over and you don't have to worry about this little dance...
Under NC law, if you are CCing, and you are addressed by an LEO in ANY official capacity, (whether in you rvehicle or on foot) you MUST INFORM that you have a permit, what state it's issued from, and that you are currently carrying. Dont use the words "gun" or "weapon". Just say you are "currently carrying". They will understand what you mean...
But for OC, you don't have to inform, because it's pretty obvious, since it's OPEN carried.
If you get hassled, it's always a good idea to let an LEO know you have a concealed carry permit if he asks--the fact that you've gone through all the trouble to get the permit will often put them somewhat at ease, and de-escalate the situation somewhat. Like I said before, you don't need a permit--CC or otherwise--to OC in NC, but sometimes they might ask you to cover it up. Some cities are REALLY cool with OC, some not so much...
Also, understand that you CANNOT carry--OC or CC in ANY restaurant that serves alcohol for consumption on premise. If you go into ANY venue that serves beer, wine, or liquor, you need to leave your firearm in the car.
You can't carry on school or college property, PERIOD.
You can't carry (OC or CC) in any venue or gathering that charges admission--this includes sporting events, amusement parks, and movie theaters.
And keep your eyes open for "No Guns" signs. If you go into a business tha tis posted, and you get caught, you are guilty of trespassing--technically, they don't have to tell you to leave for you to be guilty of trespassing if the venue is posted. Many malls in NC are posted, but there is no standard format for signage in NC, so be observant. And some malls and stores post only the main entrance, so be careful.
You can't carry in any medical facility that treats or houses mental patients.
And you can't carry in Cary. (Really--I'm not making that up...)
You can download the official PDF of NC firearms laws from the NC Attorney General's website:
http://www.jus.state.nc.us/NCJA/ncfirearms
laws.pdf
Read it. Learn it. Live it. And if you have any questions, call the NC AG office. They are very helpful and will give you a straight answer on these issues. I've had very good interactions with the NC AG office with regards to questions about carry issues.
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your travels through the Tarheel State!