“Open Carry” is a term used to describe someone carrying a firearm, or “bearing arms,” without concealing the weapon, so that it can be plainly seen.
Nevada, along with 25 other states, allows adults within its borders to open carry, as long as they are not prohibited for some other reason from carrying (like someone on probation). There are another 16 states that allow open carry for all those who have an open carry license. In some states the laws vary from city to city or county to county, and in only five states is open carry per se prohibited.
Even minors in Nevada can open carry, but only if they are at least 14 and only in certain circumstances (under parent supervision, with a hunting license, for example).
These open carry laws, however, are not without limits. There are some places where open carry is prohibited:
- On public school grounds (NRS 202.265) (where it is also prohibited to carry nunchaku)
- In an in-home daycare facility, unless you live there (NRS 202.265)
- In an airport past the TSA checkpoints (49 U.S.C. § 46314)
- In a way that interferes with the legislative process (NRS 218A.905)
- in a Federal facility, which is defined as “a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties” (18 U.S.C. § 930)
You can legally open carry in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. If you’re at Red Rock, you can open carry, but not if your gun is loaded (see p. 4 § 3.2 of the linked PDF).
Zachariah B. Parry is an attorney and founding partner at the law firm H & P and is an adjunct professor who teaches torts, contracts, and Nevada practice and procedure for UNLV’s paralegal program. He can be reached at 702-912-4451.
