Open Carry in Iowa

Allowed without a permit for persons not ineligible: the permit law does not prohibit otherwise lawful unlicensed carrying 'whether openly or concealed.' A minor (under 18) who carries, transports or possesses a loaded firearm of any kind within city limits, or knowingly carries or transports a pistol or revolver in a vehicle, commits a serious misdemeanor.

Adults who are not ineligible may carry a firearm, including a loaded firearm, openly or concealed in a vehicle without a permit. It is a serious misdemeanor to carry a dangerous weapon within immediate reach in a vehicle while intoxicated. A minor may not knowingly carry or transport a pistol or revolver in a vehicle. On school grounds, an unloaded firearm may be transported in a vehicle only inside a closed and fastened container or package too large to be concealed on the person, or in a cargo or luggage compartment not readily accessible to occupants.

Carrying, going armed with or transporting a firearm, concealed or not, on the grounds of a public or nonpublic school is a class D felony, with exceptions including persons specifically authorized by the school, peace officers, and unloaded firearms in closed containers or vehicle cargo areas. Firearm offenses in a 'weapons free zone' (within 1,000 feet of a school or in a public park, except designated hunting areas) carry double fines. Carrying a dangerous weapon while intoxicated is a serious misdemeanor. Cities, counties and townships may restrict firearms in their buildings only if they screen people for weapons and provide armed security inside. A court order banning weapons in a county courthouse is enforceable only for a courtroom, a court office, or a courthouse used only for judicial functions.