Open Carry in Vermont

Allowed without a permit for handguns and long guns, on the same terms as concealed carry: the statute bars carrying a dangerous or deadly weapon only with intent to injure another. A child under 16 may not possess a pistol or revolver without parental or guardian consent. Loaded rifles and shotguns may not be carried in a motor vehicle on a public highway right-of-way (see carry_in_car).

No permit is needed to have a handgun in a vehicle, loaded or unloaded, concealed or not. For long guns, a person may not carry or possess, in or on a motor vehicle within the right-of-way of a public highway, a rifle or shotgun with a loaded cartridge or shell in the chamber, mechanism, magazine or clip (or a charged and capped muzzleloader), and must show the long gun to an enforcement officer on demand. Firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt from the polling-place ban.

Main places: (1) school buildings and school buses (knowing possession of a firearm: up to one year or $1,000 for a first offense), and any school property when possessed with intent to injure, unless authorized by the school board; (2) courthouses, without the court's authorization; (3) hospital buildings (fine up to $250; notice must be posted at entrances); (4) polling places and the walks leading to them on election day, and town clerk offices during authorized early voting (up to one year or $1,000; firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt).