Code §18.2-308 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, punished with up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500, or both.
Open carry is legal in Virginia without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm. However, Localities, such as Alexandria and Newport News may ban the open carry of firearms in public buildings, parks and at special events.
Open Carry is legal in Virginia in most places with or without a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for those who are 18 years of age or older and are not prohibited from possessing firearms. Concealed Carry requires, with a few exceptions, a CHP.
A firearm may be carried openly in Virginia except where prohibited by statute. Please refer to §§ 18.2-279 to 18.2-311.2. The Code of Virginia may be searched at .
As of July 1, 2010, a concealed handgun permit is not necessary when carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel. The term "secured" as used does not require the compartment to be locked.
In the United States, open carry refers to the practice of visibly carrying a firearm in public places, as distinguished from concealed carry, where firearms cannot be seen by the casual observer.
Fairfax (county) - all carry (open and concealed with CHP) prohibited in local government buildings, parks, community and recreation centers, and permitted events and adjacent streets. Exception for Bull Run shooting facility. Carry is prohibited on School Board property.
The review process usually takes 1-3 months after an individual has contacted the office requesting restoration of rights. Click here to contact the office and request your rights be restored.
In Fairfax County, the government allows people to openly carry their weapons as long as their possession of the gun is legal and the carrying does not occur in a prohibited area.