This is the meat of what you asked from the LOCAL (Louisiana Open Carry Awareness League) web site:
What is Open Carry?
Open carry is shorthand terminology for "openly carrying a firearm in public", as distinguished from concealed carry, where firearms cannot be seen by the casual observer. The act of publicly carrying a firearm in plain sight. Plain sight is broadly defined as not being hidden from common observation; varies somewhat from state to state.
Is it legal to openly carry weapons in Louisiana?
Yes, as a general rule- however, certain places and people are restricted by law.
Can I open carry anywhere?
No! Some places are restricted by law. For example, school zones (if you are not in your vehicle, or on private property), government (state and local) buildings, any place that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises and any private property that posts signs expressly forbidding the carrying of firearms.
Who is prohibited from openly carrying weapons?
Anyone who is prohibited from owning weapons. In general, this means drug addicts, felons, those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and those under eighteen years of age. Louisiana does have some laws prohibiting possession of firearms, but Federal laws are more strict, so if you are OK by Federal law, you are likely OK by LA law.
How old do you have to be to open carry?
In Louisiana 17, but federal law restricts the age to 18. The federal law 'trumps' the state law, so 18.
Do I have to be a Louisiana resident to open carry in Louisiana?
No. Visitors to our State may carry just like residents.
Do I need a permit to Open Carry like I do to Conceal Carry?
No. There is no permit required to Open Carry in Louisiana.
Do I give up my right to open carry if I get a concealed handgun permit?
NO! This is misinformation that has spread around the State for some time now. Supposedly, certain individuals working for the State Police at one time were informing concealed handgun instructors to inform those who applied for a permit that, if approved, they would no longer be allowed to open carry. There is no basis for this in law.
Can I switch between open carry and concealed carry?
As long as you have your concealed carry permit, you can chose to do either one, as long as all laws/restrictions are followed. Having a concealed carry license does NOT take away your right to openly carry.
Can businesses prohibit me from open carrying?
Yes. A private property owner has the right to prohibit weapons on their property.
Can I open carry in my vehicle?
Yes.
Can my handgun be loaded?
Yes. You can carry your gun loaded and ready to use.
Can I open carry on private property?
Yes, provided you are not on someone else's property who does not want you to.
Do local law enforcement officers know that open carry is legal?
Some do, some don't- just like non-Law Enforcement Officers. Do not assume that someone who has been trained to enforce the law somehow knows everything there is to know about the law.
Can I be charged with disturbing the peace for open carry?
Not legally. RS 14:103 is the LA statute regarding disturbing of the peace. OC does not meet the standards for Disturbing the Peace.
Can I be charged with brandishing for open carry?
Again, not legally. Brandishing, by definition, requires more than an item to simply be visible. Refer to RS 40:1382 for more information about this subject.
Has anyone been arrested for open carry?
Yes. Carrying weapons always carries with it an increased risk of potential legal complications. However, open carry, in and of itself, is not illegal. Be aware that you could be at a significantly increased risk for being falsely arrested for openly carrying a weapon in some areas.
What holster method should I use for open carry?
That is a personal preference. However be advised that if you do not have a concealed carry permit you are at an increased risk of a criminal charge if your carry method can be construed as having been intended to conceal or obscure your weapon. It is often suggested that a quality retention style holster be used whenever possible when Open Carrying.
Can I open carry in other States?
Yes, open carry is allowed by law in many States. Louisiana is one of more than 40 States where citizens may Open Carry handguns. Laws vary so research each area carefully.
What can I do to help further the cause of Open Carry?
Simple, just carry openly! Be a good representative for everyone exercising their open carry rights. Follow all local laws, including non-firearms related laws. Become a LOCAL member by clicking the JOIN LOCAL button on this webpage.
Louisiana Open Carry Statutes
The LA State Constitution - Article 1, Section 11
"The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged, but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit the carrying of weapons concealed on the person."
State v. Fluker 311 So. 2d 863
A 1975 State Supreme Court case regarding the determination of concealment of a firearm in LA.
State v Ferrand 664 So.2d 396
"As the officer acknowledged, the public possession of an openly displayed handgun is not a crime in Louisiana and does not alone provide probable cause for an arrest."
State v Snoddy 389 So.2d 377
"The acts of defendant patrolling his property at night with a shotgun in a secluded area certainly did not constitute criminal activity." Cited in State v Ferrand.
Attorney General Opinion No. 97-485 - The AG says, "There is no Louisiana law which in general prohibits carrying a handgun if that handgun is not concealed."
Attorney General Opinion No. 79-1212 - The AG replies to a Ms. Irene W. Pressley of the Westlake, LA Police Department, answering her question of "1. Are there any laws prescribing when it is legal to carry a gun?" The AG answers, "It is the conclusion of this office that it is legal to carry a gun when it is exposed on one's person. The LOUISIANA Supreme Court has affirmed this conclusion. State v. Fluker, 311 So.2d 863 (1975). However, the legality of carrying even an exposed gun is subject to certain limitations of law." and "Therefore, it is the opinion of this office that a gun may be carried legally if it is in open view;..."
Attorney General Opinion No. 78-795 - The AG replies to two questions: "1. Is it legal to carry an exposed handgun?" and "2. Do Parishes and/or Municipalities have the power to regulate the carrying of exposed handguns?" The AG responds, "the carrying of an exposed handgun is not illegal, except as provided in LSA R.S. 14:95.1." And citing City of Shreveport V. Curry and City of Shreveport V. Bukhett, 357 S.2d 1078, (LA. 1978) the AG answers " It is the opinion of this office that the state statutes aforementioned have the purpose of establishing a general scheme to control weapons (handguns) and that a fair reading of those statutes show this would constitute an area in which the state has preempted the legislative control and has implicitly authorized the carrying of unconcealed weapons. Therefore, an ordinance enacted by a Parish and/or Municipality regulating the carrying of exposed handguns would be without effect as being in conflict with State Law.
Attorney General Opinion No. 78-1288 - The AG states," it is pertinent to observe that any citizen may bear arms that are not concealed." and, citing State vs. Fluker, says "that a weapon is not concealed, even if not in full, open view, if it is sufficiently exposed to reveal its identity."
Gun related statutes you should be familiar with...
Look up Revised Statutes and other laws at the Louisiana Legislature webpage:
http://www.legis.state.la.us/
RS 14:95 - Illegal carrying of weapons
RS 14:18 - Justification; general provisions
RS 14:19 - Use of force or violence in defense
RS 14:21 - Aggressor cannot claim self defense
RS 14:95.8 - Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile
RS 14:95.1.1 - Illegally supplying a felon with a firearm
RS 14:95.1 - Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies
RS 14:95.2 - Carrying a firearm, or dangerous weapon, by a student or non-student on school property, at school-sponsored functions or firearm-free zone
RS 14:95.5 - Possession of firearm on premises of alcoholic beverage outlet
RS 14:95.6 - Firearm-free zone; notice; signs; crime; penalties
RS 14:22 - Defense of others
RS 14:17 - Mistake of law
RS 14:16 - Mistake of fact
RS 14:91 - Unlawful sales of weapons to minors
RS 40:1796 - Preemption of state law
RS 14:20 - Justifiable Homicide
DISCLAIMER: RESEARCH EVERYTHING FOR YOURSELF OR CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
Nothing posted here should be considered, nor is it intended to be considered as legal advice.