Kentucky Open Carry Laws

Kentucky Open Carry Laws

General Legal Status

Kentucky is an open carry state. There are no Kentucky Revised Statutes that generally govern or restrict the open carry of firearms by persons who lawfully possess such firearms. No permit or license is required to openly carry a firearm in Kentucky.

As stated by the Kentucky State Police:

"There are no Kentucky Revised Statutes that govern the open carry of firearms by persons who lawfully possess such firearms."

The Kentucky State Police also confirmed in their FAQ on permitless carry that:

"The laws governing the open carry of deadly weapons remain unchanged."

This means that the 2019 permitless concealed carry law (Senate Bill 150) did not alter the existing open carry framework.

Age Requirement

While there is no specific statute governing open carry age requirements for adults, KRS 527.100 prohibits possession of a handgun by a minor (under age 18), with specific exceptions including:

• Attendance at a hunter's safety course or firearms safety course
• Practice or target shooting at an established firing range
• Organized competition involving firearms
• Hunting or trapping with a valid license
• Traveling to/from the above activities with an unloaded handgun
• On real property under the control of an adult with permission of that adult and parent/legal guardian
• At residence with parent/legal guardian permission when justified under KRS Chapter 503 (self-defense)

Possession of a handgun by a minor is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for each subsequent offense.

Restrictions on Open Carry

While open carry is broadly permitted, the following statutory restrictions apply to both open and concealed carry:

School Property — KRS 527.070

• Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property (whether carried openly or concealed) is prohibited, except for certain specified exceptions.

Establishments Serving Alcohol — KRS 244.125

• Loaded firearms (concealed or otherwise) are prohibited in places where alcohol is sold by the drink, except for certain specified exceptions.

Federal Law

• Open carry is prohibited in any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

Vehicle Transport

Under KRS 527.020(8), a loaded or unloaded firearm or other deadly weapon is not deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to:

• Glove compartment
• Center console
• Seat pocket

This applies regardless of whether the container is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism. No person or organization, public or private, may prohibit a person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition in a vehicle in accordance with this provision. This subsection does not apply to persons prohibited from possessing a firearm under KRS 527.040.

Private Property Rights

Kentucky law does not prohibit the owners of private premises from excluding persons carrying firearms (whether openly or concealed). Failure to vacate private premises when asked to do so could result in a criminal trespass charge.

State and Local Government Property

Under KRS 237.115, units of state and local governments and postsecondary education facilities (colleges, universities, technical schools, and community colleges) have the authority to limit the carrying of weapons (concealed or otherwise) on property owned or controlled by them.

Distinction Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry

• Open carry: Generally permitted without a license for persons who lawfully possess firearms, subject to the specific restrictions noted above.
• Concealed carry: As of June 28, 2019 (pursuant to Senate Bill 150), any person age 21 or older who is otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a license. The CCDW license remains available and beneficial for reciprocity with other states.

Key Statutes