Open Carry in South Carolina

Allowed for people 18 and older who are not barred from having firearms, without a permit, outside the places listed in § 16-23-20(A). Openly carrying a weapon lawfully does not by itself give an officer reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop, search, detain or arrest the person.

Anyone not otherwise barred by law from carrying a firearm may lawfully store a firearm anywhere in a vehicle, whether occupied or unoccupied, openly or concealed. There is no duty to tell an officer you are carrying a firearm.

Even with a permit, no one may carry a handgun into: law enforcement, correctional or detention facilities; courthouses or other public buildings where court is in session, while it is in session; polling places on election days; offices or business meetings of county, school district, municipal or special district governing bodies; school or college athletic events not related to firearms; daycare or preschool facilities; places where federal law bans firearms; churches without permission of the church official or governing body; hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices or other medical facilities unless authorized; another person's home without permission; and places clearly posted with a sign banning concealable weapons. Possessing a firearm on school property is separately banned, except that a firearm may stay in an attended or locked vehicle, secured in a closed glove box, console or trunk. Knowingly carrying a firearm into a business that sells alcohol for on-premises drinking is also banned, with some exceptions.