At Nevada Legal Advisor, I often help clients understand the ins and outs of Nevada’s open carry gun laws. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to carrying a gun, no matter where you live in the state, whether it is Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, or another area. Nevada is different from other states because most adults can carry guns in public without a special permit. But as I often say, there are important rules and exceptions that everyone should know about before carrying a gun in public.
What Open Carry Means for People in Nevada
You can openly carry a handgun or long gun in most public places in Nevada as long as you are legally allowed to own a gun. Many new residents are surprised to find out that they don’t need a special permit to carry a gun in the open in Nevada. That being said, there are places where you can’t carry openly. You can’t carry a gun in public schools, on college campuses, in federal buildings, at airports, or on private property where the owner has put up signs saying guns are not allowed. There are a lot of casinos along the Las Vegas Strip that have their own strict rules about guns.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
People often ask me at Nevada Legal Advice what the difference is between open carry and concealed carry. You don’t need a permit to carry a gun if it’s fully visible. If your gun is hidden by clothing or in a bag, it is considered concealed, and you need a Nevada concealed carry permit. I always tell clients in places like Downtown Las Vegas, Summerlin South, and Green Valley to be careful about how they carry their guns. If you don’t have the right permit, even accidentally covering your weapon can get you in trouble with the law.
Questions that come up a lot
Is it legal to carry a gun openly in all of Nevada?
No, you can’t carry openly in government buildings, schools, airports, or private businesses that have signs saying you can’t. Always look for signs and follow the rules in your area.
Do I need a permit to carry openly?
If you are legally allowed to own a gun in Nevada, you don’t need a permit to carry it openly.
What if my gun gets covered by accident?
If you don’t have the right permit and your gun is hidden, you could get a fine or even be charged with a crime.
Can I carry openly in a car?
In Nevada, you can openly carry a gun in your car as long as it is always visible. You need a concealed carry permit to keep the gun hidden in the car.
Is there an age limit for open carry in Nevada?
In order to open carry in Nevada, you must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own a gun.
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