Nevada allows you to carry a visible firearm without a permit if you’re 18 or older and legally allowed to own guns. Open carry means your firearm is clearly visible to others, not hidden under clothing or in bags. You can open carry in most public places, but certain locations like schools and federal buildings are strictly off-limits.
Nevada law permits eligible adults to openly carry firearms in many situations; consult current state statutes or a qualified attorney for specific age and eligibility requirements. Open carry means your firearm remains visible to others, typically in a holster on your hip or shoulder, rather than concealed under clothing. You can carry openly in most public places throughout Nevada, including restaurants, parks, and even the Las Vegas Strip, though certain locations like schools and federal buildings remain strictly prohibited.
Understanding Nevada’s open carry laws helps you exercise your rights responsibly while avoiding serious legal consequences. Key considerations include knowing where you can and cannot carry, how vehicle transport rules work, restrictions around alcohol consumption, and when lawful carry might become criminal behavior. These laws also intersect with private property rights, as businesses can ask you to leave even when you’re carrying legally.
This article covers everything gun owners need to know about Nevada’s open carry laws, prohibited locations, vehicle rules, and how to avoid criminal charges.
What Is Open Carry in Nevada?
Open carry is carrying a firearm that other people can clearly see. This means your gun is not covered by clothing and is readily observable to anyone around you. Nevada’s open carry laws outline how adults may carry firearms openly and include various restrictions and exceptions.
Visible Carry vs. Concealed Carry
You need to understand the key difference between open and concealed carry. Open carry means your firearm is discernible by ordinary observation, while concealed carry means it’s hidden from public view.
Nevada requires a valid Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit to carry a hidden firearm, but no permit is needed for open carry. This distinction is crucial because carrying concealed without a permit is illegal.
Open carry examples include:
- Hip holster: A pistol worn in a holster on your belt
- Shoulder carry: A rifle carried with a shoulder sling
- Virginia tuck: A pistol tucked into your waistband where the grip remains visible
Concealed carry examples include:
- Under clothing: A firearm carried under a jacket or inside a shirt
- Ankle holster: A pistol in an ankle holster covered by pants
- Bag carry: A firearm kept hidden inside a purse or backpack
Is Nevada an Open Carry State?
Nevada is an open carry state. In Nevada, adults who are legally eligible to possess firearms generally may openly carry in many public places, subject to state and federal restrictions and private property rules.
Nevada has state preemption over firearm laws. This means local governments cannot create gun laws that are stricter than state laws, so city and county regulations cannot override your open carry rights.
Where You Can Open Carry in Nevada?
You can open carry in most public areas throughout Nevada. This includes many places you visit daily, but knowing exactly where this right applies is essential for staying within the law.
Public Places and the Las Vegas Strip
You can legally open carry on public sidewalks, streets, and in parks throughout Nevada. This includes areas along dangerous roads in Las Vegas like the famous Las Vegas Strip, despite common misconceptions about special restrictions there.
The Strip operates under the same Nevada state laws as anywhere else in the state. No special ordinances prohibit open carry on public property along the Strip.
Restaurants and Bars
Nevada law permits you to open carry in restaurants and most bars. However, strict rules apply if you consume alcohol while carrying, which we’ll cover in detail later.
Many establishments serve both food and alcohol, and you can legally enter these places while openly carrying your firearm.
Casinos and Hotels
State law does not prohibit you from openly carrying firearms in casinos and hotels. However, these are private properties, which means the property owner can ask you to leave.
If you refuse to comply with a property owner’s request to leave, you can be arrested for trespassing. Most Las Vegas casinos have policies against firearms and will ask you to leave if they notice your weapon.
Places Where Guns Are Prohibited
Certain locations are designated as gun-free zones where all firearms are banned. Carrying any firearm in these restricted areas is a criminal offense, regardless of whether you’re carrying openly or concealed.
Schools and College Campuses
You cannot carry firearms on public or private school property (K-12), including parking lots, without written permission from the school principal. This prohibition extends to all Nevada System of Higher Education properties, such as UNLV and UNR.
The only exception is if you have prior written consent from the college president. Even CCW permit holders are generally prohibited from carrying on school grounds.
Childcare Facilities
Carrying firearms is prohibited in both public and private childcare facilities and their parking areas. You may only carry there if you have written permission from the facility’s owner or operator.
This includes daycare centers, preschools, and any facility primarily designed to care for children.
Legislative Buildings
Firearms are not allowed in the Nevada Legislative Building or any other location where the state legislature conducts business. This includes temporary locations used for legislative hearings or sessions.
Federal Property and Post Offices
Federal law strictly prohibits carrying firearms in federal buildings, Veterans Affairs facilities, and U.S. post offices. This prohibition includes parking lots of these facilities.
Even if you have a valid CCW permit, federal law supersedes state law on federal property.
Airport Secure Areas and Aircraft
You cannot carry firearms past TSA security checkpoints or into any secure, employee-only areas of airports. You also cannot carry firearms on aircraft. However, you can transport unloaded firearms in checked luggage following specific TSA guidelines.
Hoover Dam and Certain Recreation Areas
Specific federally managed sites ban firearms entirely. The Hoover Dam prohibits all weapons, including firearms carried by CCW permit holders.
Some federal recreation areas, like Red Rock Canyon, prohibit loaded firearms but may allow unloaded weapons for specific purposes.
Vehicle Carry Rules
Nevada’s vehicle carry laws differ for handguns and long guns. You can legally open carry in your car, but you must follow specific rules based on the type of firearm.
Handguns in Cars
You can have a loaded handgun visible inside your vehicle without a CCW permit. The handgun can be placed on the seat, dashboard, or secured in a holster.
This is considered open carry as long as the weapon remains visible to anyone who might look into your vehicle.
Long Guns in Cars
Rifles and shotguns must be unloaded while you’re in a vehicle. Unloaded means there cannot be a cartridge in the firing chamber, though the magazine can remain loaded and inserted.
This rule applies whether you’re the driver or a passenger in the vehicle.
Is a Glove Box Considered Concealed?
Keeping a firearm in your glove box is not considered concealed carry under Nevada law. You can also store firearms in the center console or under the seat without it being classified as concealed.
This is a unique aspect of Nevada law that differs from many other states where glove box storage would require a concealed carry permit.
No Guns Signs and Trespass
“No Guns” signs posted at businesses do not have the force of law in Nevada unless the location is already a legally designated gun-free zone. However, private property owners can ask you to leave their premises.
If you refuse to leave when asked, you can be charged with trespassing. Trespassing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Common locations with no-guns policies include:
- Shopping malls: Many prohibit firearms and will ask you to leave
- Movie theaters: Most chains have corporate policies against weapons
- Grocery stores: Some chains post no-weapons signs
- Restaurants: Individual establishments may prohibit firearms
Open Carry and Alcohol
You can open carry while consuming alcohol, but it becomes illegal if your blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher. A conviction for possessing a firearm while intoxicated is a misdemeanor. Penalties include up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The law applies whether you’re in public, at home, or on private property. Your BAC level, not your perceived level of impairment, determines whether you’re breaking the law.
When Open Carry Leads to Criminal Charges
Even though open carry is legal, certain actions can turn lawful activity into criminal behavior. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for avoiding serious legal consequences.
Common violations include:
- Brandishing: Drawing or displaying your firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in the presence of two or more people
- Prohibited locations: Bringing firearms into designated gun-free zones like schools or federal buildings
- Intoxication: Possessing a firearm with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
- Prohibited persons: Individuals with felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or protective orders cannot possess firearms
- Criminal activity: Using a firearm while committing another crime results in enhanced penalties
Brandishing is a misdemeanor offense that can result in significant jail time and fines. The key is whether your actions with the firearm would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
Injured by a Negligent Gun Owner?
If someone’s negligent handling of a firearm has injured you, you have the right to seek compensation. Gun accident injuries can result from accidental discharges, improper storage, or failure to follow basic safety protocols.
At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we represent injury victims and help them file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation. Our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers who understand how insurance companies try to minimize claims related to accidental shootings and negligent security.
We handle cases involving accidental shootings, negligent security that leads to gun violence, and wrongful death claims. You can contact us 24/7 for a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Permit to Open Carry in Nevada?
No permit is required to open carry in Nevada for individuals 18 or older who are legally allowed to own firearms. This is one of the key distinctions between open carry and concealed carry in the state.
Can I Open Carry in a Casino or on the Las Vegas Strip?
You can legally open carry on the Las Vegas Strip and enter casinos under state law. However, casinos are private property and typically ask customers carrying firearms to leave their premises.
Can Non-Residents Open Carry in Nevada?
Yes, the same open carry laws that apply to Nevada residents also apply to non-residents who are legally permitted to possess firearms. You must still follow all state and federal laws regarding firearm possession.
What Happens if I Open Carry Where Prohibited?
Carrying a firearm in a prohibited gun-free zone is typically a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000, depending on the specific location and circumstances.
Can I Open Carry at Public Events or Protests?
You can generally open carry at public gatherings as long as the event is not held in a location where firearms are legally prohibited. However, some events may have specific security restrictions that apply.
Does Nevada Have Constitutional Carry?
No, Nevada is not a constitutional carry state because it still requires permits for concealed carry of firearms. You can only carry concealed with a valid CCW permit.
Can I Open Carry While Hiking or Camping?
Open carry is generally permitted in Nevada’s state parks and on hiking trails. However, some federal lands may have specific restrictions, so check regulations before visiting federal recreation areas.
What Should I Do If Police Stop Me While Open Carrying?
Remain calm and keep your hands visible at all times. Inform the officer immediately that you are legally carrying a firearm and always comply with lawful commands.
Are There Age Restrictions for Open Carry?
You must be at least 18 years old to open carry a firearm in Nevada. Limited exceptions exist for supervised activities like hunting or target practice with proper adult supervision.
Can Businesses Ban Open Carry?
Yes, private businesses can prohibit firearms on their property and ask you to leave if you’re carrying. Refusing to leave when asked can result in trespassing charges.