Open Carry in Minnesota

Minnesota's permit to carry covers carrying a pistol in public whether openly or concealed; the statute does not distinguish. Without a permit, carrying a pistol in public is a gross misdemeanor. Carrying a rifle or shotgun on or about the person in a public place is also a gross misdemeanor unless the person has a permit to carry, the gun is unloaded and fully cased, or another exception applies (such as going to or from hunting, a range or a gun shop). A person under 21 who carries a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon in a public place commits a felony.

A firearm may be transported in a motor vehicle only if it is unloaded and in a fully enclosed, fastened gun case, unloaded and in the closed trunk, or a handgun carried in compliance with the permit-to-carry law. Without a permit, a pistol may be transported only unloaded in a closed and fastened case, gunbox or securely tied package. Limited exceptions allow unloaded, uncased long guns (not pistols) at ranges and while hunting outside the Twin Cities metro counties and larger cities.

Possessing a dangerous weapon on school property (public or private K-12 school buildings and improved grounds, school buses, and posted school-use areas) is a felony; for a permit holder carrying a firearm it is a misdemeanor, and permit holders may keep a pistol in their vehicle or carry while placing it in or retrieving it from the vehicle. Weapons are banned (felony) in any courthouse complex and in state buildings in the Capitol Area (other than the National Guard Armory), except that permit holders may carry a pistol if they notify the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety (the permit itself counts as notice to the commissioner for Capitol Area buildings). Private establishments may ban guns by posting the required sign at every entrance or by personally telling the person; refusing to leave is a petty misdemeanor ($25 maximum for a first offense). Parking areas cannot be posted, and landlords may not restrict tenants' lawful carry.