Open Carry in Georgia

Allowed for lawful weapons carriers. The Code requires that a person carrying a weapon be a lawful weapons carrier and does not require that a handgun be carried concealed; no separate open-carry permit exists. The same age limits as for the weapons carry license apply (21, or 18-20 with military service). Persons not prohibited from possessing a handgun or long gun may carry inside their home, motor vehicle or place of business.

A person not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun may carry it inside their own motor vehicle, and any lawful weapons carrier may transport a handgun or long gun in any private passenger motor vehicle. No loaded/unloaded or locked-container rule applies under § 16-11-126. Private property owners may still exclude people carrying weapons from their property.

Misdemeanor to carry in: government buildings (lawful weapons carriers may enter those without security screening by a peace officer); courthouses; jails and prisons; places of worship unless the governing body permits carry (lawful carriers face a fine of up to $100 and no arrest); state mental health facilities that admit people involuntarily; nuclear power facilities; and within 150 feet of a polling place during elections. Weapons are also banned in school safety zones (public and private K-12 school property, school functions and school transportation), with exceptions including lawful carriers dropping off or picking up a student and weapons kept in a vehicle; lawful carriers may carry a concealed handgun on public college and university property except athletic facilities, student housing including fraternity and sorority houses, preschool or childcare spaces, certain dual-enrollment classrooms, and faculty, staff and administrative offices. Private property owners may exclude people carrying weapons. Weapons locked in a vehicle in parking facilities of these places are allowed.