Open Carry in Ohio

Allowed. The Ohio Attorney General's concealed-carry manual says: 'The open carry of firearms is legal in Ohio. Ohio's concealed-carry laws do not regulate "open" carry of firearms.' Open carry is still limited by the vehicle rules in R.C. 2923.16 and by place-based bans (e.g., school safety zones, courthouses, rooms where liquor is consumed in D-permit premises), and private employers and property owners may prohibit firearms under R.C. 2923.126(C). Buying age limits in R.C. 2923.21 and 2923.211 apply.

'No person shall knowingly transport or have a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or any passenger without leaving the vehicle.' Without a license, a firearm in a vehicle must be unloaded and carried 'In a closed package, box, or case', 'In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle', 'In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose', or (for long guns of specified length) in plain sight with the action open or stripped. These limits do not apply to a handgun carried by a concealed handgun licensee (or qualifying adult, who is treated as a licensee) or a trained active-duty service member who is not in a prohibited place. A licensee stopped by police with a loaded handgun in the vehicle must disclose it when an officer asks. No one may have a loaded handgun in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A license (or qualifying-adult status) does not authorize concealed carry in: police stations, sheriff's offices, highway patrol posts, BCI premises, prisons and jails; airport terminal areas beyond security screening; certain state mental health and developmental disability institutions; school safety zones (R.C. 2923.122; licensees may leave a handgun in a locked vehicle); courthouses and buildings with a courtroom (R.C. 2923.123); D-liquor-permit premises in violation of R.C. 2923.121 (licensees may possess there if not consuming beer or liquor and not under the influence); college and university premises unless the handgun is in a locked vehicle or the institution authorizes carry; places of worship 'unless the church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship posts or permits otherwise'; government buildings of the state or a political subdivision (other than shelters, restrooms, parking and rest facilities) unless the governing body permits; and places where federal law bans handguns. Private owners and lessees may post a conspicuous sign prohibiting firearms; knowingly violating it is criminal trespass.