North Carolina

Summary 
North Carolina is a traditional open carry state. You MAY open carry in a motor vehicle. However, localities may regulate the carrying of firearms under certain circumstances.
Legal Disclaimer We make every effort to provide correct information on this site. However, the legal landscape surrounding open carry is fluid and subject to a myriad of political influences in the various states. Therefore, any and all information you glean from this site should be independently verified!
Forum To read real open carry stories from North Carolina or to contribute your own, click here
State Constitution Article I, Section 30

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; and, as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they shall not be maintained, and the military shall be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power. Nothing herein shall justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons, or prevent the General Assembly from enacting penal statutes against that practice.
Minimum Age to OC 18
Preemption Complete state preemption of firearms laws except localities may regulate the possession of firearms:

  • In public-owned buildings
  • On the grounds or parking areas of those buildings
  • In public parks or recreation areas

Additionally, under NC Code Chapter 14 § 160A.189, a city may by ordinance … regulate the display of firearms on the streets, sidewalks, alleys, or other public property.

While the word “display” does not appear to be defined in the Code, some localities in NC have adopted, or are considering adopting ordinances like the city of Chapel Hill’s which restrict the open carry of handguns.

This was challenged in State v. Fennell (1989) and the NC Court of Appeals upheld previous NC court decisions stating that the guarantee of an individual right to openly bear arms in the NC constitution was subject to reasonable regulation declaring that “a pistol shall not be under a certain length.”

NOTE: Almost all states allow local regulation of the discharge of firearms
Open Car Carry You may open carry in a vehicle. It must be clearly visible.
Private Sales Not Yet Determined
Permit Issued Not Yet Determined
K-12 Carry Not Yet Determined

NOTE: The Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act Restricts Carry to Permit Holders
College Carry Carry Prohibited by Statute

NOTE: Even if Legal, Students May be Subject to Academic Sanctions
Places Off Limits
    Currently Being Researched
State Law
Official Documents
State Organizations
Local Ordinances
Concealed Carry Available at Handgunlaw.us