What Is The Difference Between Concealed And Open Carry Gun Laws In Oklahoma?

Concealed and open carry gun laws in Oklahoma have evolved over the past few years. In Oklahoma, you are no longer required to have a permit to open-carry or concealed-carry a gun. If you are at least 21 years old and are not otherwise disqualified from owning a gun, you can have a gun on you in public and in most cases its not a criminal offense.

Both open-carry and concealed-carry are legal in Oklahoma. Open-carry means your gun is visible to others. Concealed-carry means no one can see you have a gun on you, like when you keep your gun holstered in your waistband.

Where Are Guns Restricted In Oklahoma?

Even though both open-carry and concealed-carry of guns are legal in Oklahoma, there are still some restrictions gun owners need to be aware of. The restrictions depend on if the restriction involves private property and if the restriction is set out by statute in the state. What ever the restriction is the limitation must be rationally related to the law itself.

Gun Laws at Airports

Across the country it is illegal to carry a gun at airports and other federally controlled transportation sites. In both Tulsa and Wills Rogers international airports, each year countless travelers forget they are carrying a gun while they go through security. If this happens to you your gun will be forfeited and you will be charged with a misdemeanor crime. Although you can carry a gun in your checked luggage you must declare it and get approval from TSA.

No Guns In Bars

It is illegal to have a gun in a bar or any place where alcohol is served in Oklahoma. Only the owner of the establishment or on-duty officers can have a gun on the premises. If you bring a gun into a bar, it is considered a felony in Oklahoma.

Additionally, in Oklahoma, carrying or using a gun under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including illegal substances or prescriptions that impact your behavior) is illegal. This can result in jail time or a fine.

Public Places May Limit Gun Carry

There are other public places in Oklahoma where you are restricted from carrying. These places include:

• Government buildings (including courthouses)
• Jails and prisons
• Colleges or universities
• Legal gambling centers
• Publicly owned venues

Although guns are prohibited from these establishments, the restrictions do not extend to the parking lots, and there are some exceptions, like for police officers. If you are found carrying a gun in one of these places, you might face a $250 fine.

Schools and Hand Gun Carry Statutes

Although you are permitted to carry a gun in most places in Oklahoma, firearms are not allowed on any school campus. This includes a K-12 school, a vocational or technical school, or a school bus. If you carry a gun onto any school property in Oklahoma, you could face a misdemeanor. Even though you can’t bring a gun on school grounds, you can have your gun properly stored in your car if you are taking your kids to school.

Can You Have A Gun In Your Car In Oklahoma?

Gun laws have changed in relation to your automobile. In Oklahoma, you are allowed to carry your gun in your car. If you are a legal owner of a gun, you can have a concealed handgun in your car. The handgun can be loaded or unloaded. You can also carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun. Rifles or shotguns that are clip- or magazine-loaded can only be carried in your car if they are kept locked away. For example, they can be kept in a locked safe.

You must tell police officers you have a gun in your car if pulled over. If you don’t tell the police there is a gun in your car, and it is discovered, you can face a fine and or a criminal charge.

Oklahoma Gun Defense Lawyers

If you have been charged with improperly carrying a gun, you should consult with a Tulsa criminal defense attorney who is familiar with Oklahoma’s gun laws. The laws surrounding guns can change, and an Oklahoma lawyer can discuss how the gun laws impact you and your right to carry.

In Oklahoma, you are no longer required to have a permit to open-carry or concealed-carry a gun. If you are at least 21 years old and are not otherwise disqualified from owning a gun, you can have a gun on you in public.

Both open-carry and concealed-carry are legal in Oklahoma. Open-carry means your gun is visible to others. Concealed-carry means no one can see you have a gun on you, like when you keep your gun holstered in your waistband. Get a Free consultation today Kania Law Office 918.743.2233