Open Carry in New Jersey

Generally not allowed. The carry permit 'shall not be construed to authorize a holder to carry a handgun openly' (except as provided in 2C:58-4.5(b) for certain security work); a brief, incidental exposure while holstering or from shifting of the body or clothing is 'a de minimis infraction'. NJSP: 'Carrying a handgun openly is not allowed with a concealed carry permit.'

Without a carry permit, firearms may be transported only within the 2C:39-6 exemptions (for example between home, place of purchase, a range, hunting, or repair); while traveling the firearm 'shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gun box, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported' (NJSP). For permit holders, 2C:58-4.6(b)(1) (handguns in vehicles must be unloaded and cased) is listed by NJSP as NOT currently enforceable as of 12/11/2025; 2C:58-4.6(b)(2) still bars a permit holder from leaving a handgun in a parked vehicle outside immediate control unless it is unloaded in a closed, fastened case or gunbox not visible from outside, or locked unloaded in the trunk or storage area (a fourth-degree crime). A permit holder stopped while carrying or traveling with a handgun in a vehicle must immediately disclose it and display the permit.

Knowingly carrying a firearm is a crime of the third degree (a brief, incidental entry is a de minimis infraction) in, or on the buildings, grounds or parking areas of: government administration buildings including police stations; courthouses; jails and correctional facilities; State-contracted half-way houses; polling places during an election and ballot storage or tabulation sites; within 100 feet of a permitted public gathering, demonstration or event; schools, colleges, universities and school buses; child care facilities; nursery schools, pre-schools, zoos and summer camps; government parks, beaches, playgrounds and recreation areas designated gun-free; youth sports events; public libraries and museums; homeless and domestic-violence shelters; community residences licensed by DHS or DOH; bars, restaurants and other sites where alcohol is served for on-premises consumption; cannabis retailers and dispensaries; entertainment facilities such as theaters, stadiums and arenas; casinos; energy plants; airports and public transportation hubs; health care facilities; and addiction or mental health treatment facilities (2C:58-4.6(a)(1)-(22)). Private property is off-limits unless the owner gives express consent or posts a sign permitting carry ((a)(24)). Court status per NJSP as of 12/11/2025: (a)(1)-(22) are enforceable; (a)(23) (film and TV production locations) is NOT enforceable; (a)(24) is enforceable only as to private property not held open to the public. Permit holders may store or transport handguns in the parking areas of prohibited places under the conditions in 2C:58-4.6(c).