Open Carry in Montana

State law does not require a permit to carry openly. Local governments may not regulate the 'unconcealed carrying of any weapon', except that a county, city or town 'has power to prevent and suppress ... the carrying of unconcealed weapons to a publicly owned and occupied building under its jurisdiction.' Children under 14 may not carry or use firearms in public unless accompanied by a parent or custodian or supervised by a qualified firearms safety instructor or an adult authorized by the parent (§ 45-8-344).

Montana does not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, including in a vehicle, for anyone 'eligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law'. No separate vehicle rule (loaded/unloaded or locked) was found in the weapons chapter.

Permit holders (Montana, enhanced, or recognized out-of-state) may carry anywhere in the state except: correctional, detention or treatment facilities of the Department of Corrections and secure DPHHS facilities; jails and secure areas of city or county law enforcement facilities; at or beyond a TSA security checkpoint in a public commercial airport; buildings owned and occupied by the United States; U.S. military reservations; private property where the owner or person in control 'expressly prohibits firearms'; courtrooms or court areas covered by a judge's order; and school buildings as determined by a school board. Anyone (with or without a permit) commits an offense by knowingly possessing a weapon in a school building (owned or leased by a school district for instruction or student activities) unless the trustees give advance permission; penalty up to $500 and/or 6 months. Carrying concealed in restricted portions of state or local government office buildings is an offense for people without a permit (§ 45-8-328).