Georgia is an open carry state that allows residents to openly carry firearms in public without a license. However, there are some restrictions on where you can and cannot carry a firearm in Georgia.
Where You Cannot Carry in Georgia
There are several places in Georgia where you are prohibited from carrying a firearm, even with a valid firearms license:
- Government buildings: This includes courthouses, city halls, legislative chambers, etc.
- Polling places: You cannot carry a firearm within 150 feet of a polling place on election day
- School safety zones: Firearms are prohibited on school property or within 1,000 feet of a school
- Airports: Beyond security checkpoints at commercial airports
- Nuclear power facilities
- Mental health facilities
- Courts: Beyond security checkpoints in a courtroom
- State parks: Unless you have a valid firearms license
- Sporting events: At professional sporting events
- Bars: At a bar if you are consuming alcohol
- Places of worship: Unless you have explicit permission from the governing body
In addition, private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises by posting signage. This includes many retail stores and restaurants in Georgia.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions that allow firearms in certain prohibited locations in Georgia:
- You can keep a firearm in your vehicle on school grounds or government parking lots as long as it is securely encased out of reach
- Law enforcement officers are exempt from these prohibitions when carrying department-issued firearms
- You can carry into bars and churches with explicit permission from the property owner
- Security personnel are allowed to be armed at their place of employment
Local Restrictions
In addition to state law, some cities and counties in Georgia have additional restrictions on carrying firearms:
| Location | Local Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | Firearms banned in all city parks and recreation centers |
| Athens-Clarke County | Firearms prohibited at festivals and permitted events |
| Savannah | Firearms prohibited in City Market area |
| Columbus | Firearms banned at events requiring permits |
Always check local ordinances before carrying a firearm in any part of Georgia.
Weapons Restrictions
Georgia also places restrictions on certain types of firearms and weapons:
- Machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and dangerous weapons are prohibited
- Any firearm or weapon during the commission of a crime
- Possession of a firearm by convicted felons or anyone subject to a family violence protective order
Concealed Carry
Georgia has fairly relaxed concealed carry laws compared to other states. You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a concealed carry permit. There are several ways to qualify for a Georgia firearms license:
- Complete a firearms safety or training course approved by the Probate Court
- Prior service in the military or as a law enforcement officer
- Already have a valid concealed carry permit from another state
With a Georgia firearms license, you can concealed carry in many places throughout the state including:
- State parks
- Restaurants that serve alcohol
- Public transportation
- Most government buildings
Of course, concealed firearms are still prohibited in the places listed earlier like courthouses, schools, secured airports, etc. Concealed carry permit holders must adhere to those same restrictions.
Transportation and Storage
Georgia does not place any restrictions on how firearms must be stored or transported in vehicles. The general provisions are:
- Loaded long guns are allowed in vehicles
- No permit or license required to have a loaded handgun in a car
- Firearms can be stored loaded or unlocked in cars
- Restrictions apply on school grounds and government parking areas
Stand Your Ground
Georgia is a Stand Your Ground state when it comes to self-defense shootings. That means you have no duty to retreat from a threat if you are lawfully present and not part of illegal activity. Deadly force can be used to prevent imminent death, bodily injury, or the commission of a forcible felony. However, Stand Your Ground does not apply when you are the initial aggressor in an altercation.
Conclusion
While Georgia has fairly relaxed open and concealed carry laws, there are still a number of places that prohibit firearms. Always use caution and good judgement when carrying firearms in public. Make sure you know and follow all federal, state, and local ordinances to avoid civil or criminal penalties.