Is Arizona an Open Carry State?

arizona open carry -- holstered gun

Is Arizona an Open Carry State?

Arizona is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country. In Arizona, open carry and concealed carry gun laws allow residents to purchase, own, and transport a firearm on them without any type of permit or license. However, there are quite a few nuances to the regulations—including age limits, restrictions for certain locations, and special circumstances—where a person carrying a gun can get themselves into legal trouble. Let’s take a closer look at Arizona’s gun laws and how they work. 

Arizona Open Carry Laws  

An open carry state allows its residents to transport a firearm in a public place in a way that makes the firearm visible to those around them. The term “carry” means the gun is easily accessible to the person, either in a holster or sling. And in Arizona, you may legally openly carry a loaded gun.

Open carry does not allow a person to have the gun in their hands at all times. A police officer could consider that a reckless display or handling of a deadly weapon under Arizona ARS 13-2904, which is a Class 6 felony

Arizona state law says anyone 18 and over can purchase, own, and open carry a firearm. However, only those 21 and over can purchase a handgun from a federally-licensed gun dealer. 

Arizona Concealed Carry Laws   

According to Arizona carry laws, any resident 21 and over can legally own and carry a concealed handgun. A gun carried on a person’s body that is not visible at all to anyone around them is considered concealed carry.   

In Arizona, an adult 21 and over does not need a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit to conceal carry a gun. However, some residents will still obtain a CCW permit to ensure they have legal backing in case any issues ever arise. Plus, a CCW permit allows Arizona residents to conceal carry their gun when visiting a National Park and when visiting other states that honor Arizona CCW permits. 

Are There Places I Cannot Carry a Gun In Arizona? 

Although Arizona allows permitless open and concealed carry, that does not mean you can take a gun everywhere. There are quite a few places throughout the state that prohibit firearms. These include: 

  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Prisons, jails, and juvenile halls
  • Federal buildings
  • Airports past the TSA checkpoint
  • Voting polls on Election Day
  • Indian reservations 
  • Hydroelectric and nuclear power plants
  • Most businesses that serve alcohol

Who Cannot Own a Gun in Arizona?   

There is a certain group of people who are not allowed to own or possess a gun in Arizona. Known as “prohibited possessors,” this group includes: 

  • A defendant convicted of a felony crime or crime with a prison term of more than one year
  • A defendant facing charges for a crime that carries a prison sentence of more than one year
  • Anyone on parole
  • Someone currently serving time in a detention or correctional facility
  • Anyone on probation for domestic violence or a felony crime
  • Those involved with a restraining order

Understanding Arizona’s Gun Laws 

Arizona is one of 31 open carry states in the country and is one of 20 states providing permitless carry for its citizens. Although Arizona protects its residents’ Second Amendment constitutional right to bear arms, understanding the state’s gun laws helps ensure gun owners stay on the right side of the law. 

If you face charges of a gun infraction and believe they are a violation of your rights, contact Coolidge Law Firm today to schedule a consultation in Phoenix or Chandler. 

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