Jumping Frog wrote:I've open carried hundreds of times in Ohio, mostly in the Columbus area. Have numerous friends that still open carry there today.
The biggest landmine you face is vehicle transport. Unlike Texas MPA, one must have a CHL to have a loaded handgun in a vehicles in Ohio. That means you need to unload the gun before you get in the car. A loaded gun in a case in the trunk is still a loaded gun and a felony. There are nuances to the word "unloaded". Basically unload the gun and store the gun and loaded magazine in separate cases that close with a snap, buckle or lock. Glovebox or console does not suffice.
No carrying in government buildings, churches, or schools. No unlicensed open carrying where alcohol is being served.
Other than that and a few other pitfalls, unlicensed open carry is 100% legal.
If you encounter any police officers named Richard (most are not) be aware that threats of "Disturbing the Peace" and "Inducing Panic" are 100% bogus. Legal open carry does not meet the statutory definition of those crimes and there have been numerous DA memos and training bulletins to LEO's notifying them of that.
For more information, stop by Ohioccwforums.org. I am user BobK on that forum.
Appreciate the detailed info Frog. And I do have a Flroida non-resident license, so I think I'll be ok with my loaded firearm in my car. I also did see that they passed a law about carrying in an establishment that has a Class D liquor license. The more I researched about the bill it seems that carrying in bars and resturants that sell alcohol wont be an issuse. BTW I'll be in the Northeastern part. Akron, Cleveland...ect.