Ohio’s new “Constitutional Carry” law went into effect on June 12, 2022. Under the new law, concealed carriers will no longer be required to have a concealed handgun license in order to carry a gun.
The law also eliminates training requirements and makes obtaining a concealed handgun license optional.
This means that anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed without having to take any training classes.
It is important to know your rights and responsibilities under Constitutional Carry, so please read on for more information!
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Table of Contents
Toggle- What Exactly is Constitutional Carry in Ohio?
- What Are the Requirements for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Ohio?
- Do I Have a Duty to Inform A Police Officer that I am Carrying?
- What Are the Penalties for Carrying a Firearm with a permit in Ohio?
- What Does The Ohio Law Say About Transporting My Firearms?
- How About Rifles and Shotguns?
- Are there any restrictions at all?
- How Old Do I Have To Be To Carry a Gun in Ohio?
- FAQ About Carrying a Handgun in Ohio
What Exactly is Constitutional Carry in Ohio?
Constitutional Carry simply means that Ohioans who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed without a license.
This is different from the current law, which requires a person to have a license in order to carry a concealed handgun.
The main difference between the two laws is that under Constitutional Carry, you will no longer be required to take any training classes in order to carry a concealed firearm.
What Are the Requirements for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Ohio?
Even though you will no longer need a license to carry a concealed weapon, there are still some requirements that must be met in order to do so legally.
First and foremost, you must be 21 years of age or older.
You also may not carry a concealed weapon if you are prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
Furthermore, you may not carry a concealed weapon into any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by law.
These places include, but are not limited to, schools, government buildings, and private property where the owner has posted a “no guns” sign.
It is important to know the laws regarding places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, as violators may be subject to arrest and prosecution.
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Do I Have a Duty to Inform A Police Officer that I am Carrying?
No, under the previous law, concealed carriers were required to inform officers of their status as soon as the officer made contact with them.
However, the new law requires carriers to disclose their status only when an officer specifically asks about firearms.
The change in the law has caused some controversy, with critics arguing that it will make it more difficult for officers to do their jobs and keep the public safe.
However, supporters of the change argue that it will help to protect the rights of gun owners and reduce the chances of unnecessary confrontation between officers and citizens.
Only time will tell how the new law will impact public safety in Ohio.
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What Are the Penalties for Carrying a Firearm with a permit in Ohio?
The penalties for carrying a firearm without a permit in Ohio are ziltch, nada, nothing!
As long as you meet the requirements for carrying a concealed weapon, you may do so without fear of penalties or punishment.
However, it is important to note that if you are stopped by law enforcement and they ask if you are carrying a concealed weapon, you must truthfully answer their question.
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What Does The Ohio Law Say About Transporting My Firearms?
The new Ohio law on transporting handguns in vehicles is a welcome change for gun owners. The old law was needlessly restrictive, and the new law makes it much easier to transport a handgun in a vehicle.
With the new law, gun owners can have a handgun in their vehicle with or without a concealed carry license.
The carrier can have the handgun loaded and stored anywhere in the vehicle, making it much easier to access in an emergency situation.
This change will help to make Ohio a more gun-friendly state and will make it easier for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.
Thanks to this change in the law, gun owners in Ohio can breathe a little easier knowing that they can better protect themselves and their families while on the road.
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How About Rifles and Shotguns?
The recent change in Ohio law now allows individuals to transport handguns in a motor vehicle without a license.
The law does not apply to rifles or shotguns, which must still be transported unloaded in a closed container, with ammunition in a separate container or closed compartment, in the vehicle’s trunk or in an area not accessible without leaving the vehicle.
This new law is intended to make it easier for law-abiding citizens to transport handguns for lawful purposes, such as self-defense.
Are there any restrictions at all?
Handgun restrictions in Ohio are still in place. Those under the age of 21 may not purchase a handgun.
As well, convicted felons are restricted by law from possessing any firearms. Also, gun owners may not carry their handguns into certain places, such as courthouses, police stations, schools, and other government-owned buildings.
These restrictions help to keep the community safe by keeping guns out of the hands of those who should not have them.
In addition, these restrictions help to ensure that guns are only used in appropriate places and for appropriate purposes. By following these restrictions, gun owners can help to keep the community safe and secure.
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How Old Do I Have To Be To Carry a Gun in Ohio?
The new Ohio law on carrying a handgun without a permit applies to those who are 21 years of age or older.
FAQ About Carrying a Handgun in Ohio
Here are some frequently asked questions about carrying a handgun in Ohio:
Can I carry a handgun without a license if I am not a resident of Ohio?
The law does not have a residency requirement, so non-residents can carry a handgun in Ohio without a license.
Do I need to take a gun safety course before I can carry a handgun in Ohio?
No, you are not required to take a gun safety course before carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio.
What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit?
There is no penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Should I tell the police that I am carrying a concealed weapon?
You are not required to tell the police that you are carrying a concealed weapon, but if they ask if you are armed, you must truthfully answer their question.
Can I carry my handgun in my car?
Yes, you can carry your handgun in your car without a permit.
Can I carry my handgun in a restaurant?
Yes, you can carry your handgun in a restaurant as long as the restaurant does not have a posted sign that prohibits firearms.
What are the restrictions on carrying a handgun in Ohio?
You may not carry your handgun into certain places, such as courthouses, police stations, schools, and other government-owned buildings.
What do I need to do to get a concealed weapons permit in Ohio?
You do not need to do anything to get a concealed weapons permit in Ohio as the law does not require one.
I am a convicted felon. Can I carry a handgun in Ohio?
No, you cannot carry a handgun in Ohio if you are a convicted felon.
Can I open carry in Ohio?
Yes, you can open carry in Ohio without a permit.
Can I carry my handgun in my purse?
Yes, you can carry your handgun in your purse as long as the gun is unloaded and the purse is closed.
Do I need to register my gun in Ohio?
No, you do not need to register your gun in Ohio.
Can I carry my handgun in a bar?
Yes, you can carry your handgun in a bar as long as the bar does not have a posted sign that prohibits firearms.