Open Carry/Concealed Carry Laws

Is there somewhere I can go to get a simple, concise list of the laws in Virginia concerning open and concealed carry? Also, I noticed on another forum post that you are allowed to carry into a business as long as they don't have a sign forbidding it. Is there any regulation for how the sign must be displayed to be legal? For example, the mall in Lynchburg has a sign of rules and regulations for the mall and the prohibition against firearms is at the bottom of the list in very small print. Is this a binding warning that could get you in trouble for trespassing if caught?

Check out www.vcdl.org for most of the information you seek. As for open carry laws, there aren't any specifically addressing this. Virginia doesn't tell you what you can do, she tells you what you cannot do.

Businesses that post a "no guns/no firearms" sign also reserve the right to allow you to carry onto their property if they so desire. However, unless the owner/manager is willing to take such a decision, consider the fact that it is posted means they do not want your business when you are armed. They cannot hold or arrest you but can summon the police and have you charged with trespassing. It is best not to enter such businesses.

INAL so I welcome corrections to what I have offered here.

as far as trespassing... yes, you can get charged with it.

BUT, typically this is how things go.

Say you walk into a mall, open carrying. you are minding your own business. You looked at the doors as you were walking in but you did not see a sign.

Next thing you know, you have a burly security guard clicking his flashlight at you because the mall has a rule against weapons.

They usually tell you the rules and proceed to ask you to put the weapon in your vehicle. At that point they will escort you out.

The only way to mess this up is to resist leaving and start screaming "I know my rights! I know my rights! You cant tell me what to do! My body i do what i want... etc etc" :lol:


BUT... if you go back the next day and do the same thing, the security officer might get you for trespassing or something. It really depends on what their mood on the subject is.




Now... with that being said... it is crucial that we all act accordingly when it comes to carrying. Carry within the law and put your big boy shoes on. Dont act like an idiot in public with your firearm on. Be calm, collected and conduct yourself with church-like manners (the way it should be all the time really )


I hope this helps!

Welcome aboard OCDO - lots of good people here.

A consolidation of the major laws for both OC & CC can be found about 1/2 down the following page:
http://www.vcdl.org/static/ccw.html

We try to not spend any money at No Guns malls. Always leave immediately when told - no need to fight that battle on their turf.

While the sign is said to have the force of law by some if all entrances are so signed, as a practical matter police will not arrest until they have told you to leave and you don't.

This class may be of interest to you - http://proactiveshooters.com/general-course-information-2/intro-to-concealed-carry-in-va/

From the VCDL Newsletter: (and OC info cards)

KNOW THE LAW, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Open carry is legal in Virginia in most places with or
without a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).
Concealed carry requires, with a few exceptions, a CHP,
However, other restrictions may apply.

Places where carrying is prohibited
-Federal Property (concealed w/CHP and hunting exempted in National Forests)
-Courthouses ( § 18.2-283.1)
-General Assembly Building & Property (open or concealed carry OK for CHP holders only) (JRC rule)
-Virginia Commonwealth University (8VAC90-10-50)
-George Mason University (8VAC35-60-20)
-Detention Facilities (§ 15.2-915)
-Places of Worship during a service ”without good and sufficient reason”( § 18.2-283)
-Air carrier airport terminal buildings (§ 18.2-287.01)
-K-12 school property (unless unloaded, in a closed container, and in a motor vehicle) (§18.2-308.1)
-K-12 school buses (§ 18.2-308.1)
-Property used exclusively for K-12 school-sponsored functions (§ 18.2-308.1)
-Private property when prohibited by owner (§ 18.2308.O)

For more information Virginia State Police Firearms & Concealed Handguns page: www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm


I also like:
http://www.vcdl.org/pdf/VCDL_Carry_Card.pdf

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/#?st=VA

Make sure you understand the laws. Ask questions scenarios, read up. Be aware some churches have schools attached to them (Kindergarten at least).

Edited to remove restaurants.

Restaurants and clubs item is outdated

-Places of Worship during a service ”without good and sufficient reason”( § 18.2-283)

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and just this week our AG did indeed opine that self defense is a ”good and sufficient reason”.

t33j said:

Restaurants and clubs item is outdated

Click to expand...

Thanks for the catch. I simply cut and pasted from the newsletter thinking it was the most current list.

Ed's Open Carry Cards are always available

Hey amtilton I see you're from Lynchburg too. Why not meet up with some of us Lynchburg folks for dinner or lunch some time. It's been a couple months since we've had a formal meetup so I should put one together. Look for something maybe next weekend or so.

The $20 blue-cover Va. Firearms Laws book by Alan Korwin is a pretty good reference.

I'm planning to do the "Deadly Force Seminar" in/near Lynchburg sometime later this year. I'm thinking Bedford would be a good place for people from different cities to be able to get to.

and be polite

I try to be the most polite person that there is on the earth when I OC. At this phase we are trying to win over the public that firearms are not scary and people with firearms are just normal people after all. Polite behavior and a nice smile cannot but help the cause.

jmelvin said:

Hey amtilton I see you're from Lynchburg too. Why not meet up with some of us Lynchburg folks for dinner or lunch some time. It's been a couple months since we've had a formal meetup so I should put one together. Look for something maybe next weekend or so.

Click to expand...

Yeah, that would be great. just let me know when you put one together.