{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-308.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-308.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-308.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-308.html"}],"law_id":56600,"edition_id":1,"section_id":56600,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308","catch_line":"Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 18.1-269; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 130; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 594; 1976, c. 302; 1978, c. 715; 1979, c. 642; 1980, c. 238; 1981, c. 376; 1982, cc. 71, 553; 1983, c. 529; 1984, cc. 360, 720; 1985, c. 427; 1986, cc. 57, 451, 625, 641; 1987, cc. 592, 707; 1988, cc. 359, 793; 1989, cc. 538, 542; 1990, cc. 640, 648, 825; 1991, c. 637; 1992, cc. 510, 705; 1993, cc. 748, 861; 1994, cc. 375, 697; 1995, c. 829; 1997, cc. 916, 921, 922; 1998, cc. 662, 670, 846, 847; 1999, cc. 628, 666, 679; 2001, cc. 25, 384, 657; 2002, cc. 699, 728, 826; 2004, cc. 355, 423, 462, 876, 885, 900, 901, 903, 905, 926, 995, 1012; 2005, cc. 344, 420, 424, 441, 839; 2006, c. 886; 2007, cc. 87, 272, 408, 455; 2008, cc. 69, 75, 80, 309, 464, 742; 2009, cc. 235, 779, 780; 2010, cc. 387, 433, 576, 586, 602, 677, 700, 709, 740, 741, 754, 841, 863; 2011, cc. 231, 234, 384, 410; 2012, cc. 132, 175, 291, 557, 776; 2013, cc. 559, 746; 2014, cc. 45, 225, 450; 2015, cc. 38, 221, 730; 2016, cc. 257, 589, 672; 2020, cc. 142, 958; 2023, c. 611.","full_text":"A\n\nIf any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, sling bow, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon’s true nature. It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of clause (i) regarding a handgun, that a person had been issued, at the time of the offense, a valid concealed handgun permit.B\n\nThis section shall not apply to any person while in his own place of abode or the curtilage thereof.C\n\nExcept as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 18.2-308.012, this section shall not apply to:1\n\nAny person while in his own place of business;2\n\nAny law-enforcement officer, or retired law-enforcement officer pursuant to § 18.2-308.016, wherever such law-enforcement officer may travel in the Commonwealth;3\n\nAny person who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;4\n\nAny regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;5\n\nAny person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;6\n\nAny person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as authorized by the Board of Wildlife Resources, under inclement weather conditions necessitating temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions, provided that possession of a handgun while engaged in lawful hunting shall not be construed as hunting with a handgun if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed handgun permit;7\n\nAny attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, wherever such attorney may travel in the Commonwealth;8\n\nAny person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel;9\n\nAny enrolled participant of a firearms training course who is at, or going to or from, a training location, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; and10\n\nAny judge or justice of the Commonwealth, wherever such judge or justice may travel in the Commonwealth.D\n\nThis section shall also not apply to any of the following individuals while in the discharge of their official duties, or while in transit to or from such duties:1\n\nCarriers of the United States mail;2\n\nOfficers or guards of any state correctional institution;3\n\nConservators of the peace, except that a judge or justice of the Commonwealth, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or an assistant attorney for the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivisions C 7 and 10. However, the following conservators of the peace shall not be permitted to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit as provided in this article: (i) notaries public; (ii) registrars; (iii) drivers, operators, or other persons in charge of any motor vehicle carrier of passengers for hire; or (iv) commissioners in chancery; and4\n\nNoncustodial employees of the Department of Corrections designated to carry weapons by the Director of the Department of Corrections pursuant to § 53.1-29.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":207132,"text":"If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, sling bow, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon’s true nature. It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of clause (i) regarding a handgun, that a person had been issued, at the time of the offense, a valid concealed handgun permit.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":207133,"text":"This section shall not apply to any person while in his own place of abode or the curtilage thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":207134,"text":"Except as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 18.2-308.012, this section shall not apply to:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":207135,"text":"Any person while in his own place of business;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":207136,"text":"Any law-enforcement officer, or retired law-enforcement officer pursuant to § 18.2-308.016, wherever such law-enforcement officer may travel in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":207137,"text":"Any person who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"6":{"id":207138,"text":"Any regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"7":{"id":207139,"text":"Any person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"8":{"id":207140,"text":"Any person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as authorized by the Board of Wildlife Resources, under inclement weather conditions necessitating temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions, provided that possession of a handgun while engaged in lawful hunting shall not be construed as hunting with a handgun if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed handgun permit;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"C7"},"9":{"id":207141,"text":"Any attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, wherever such attorney may travel in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"C7","prefix_anchor":"C7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"C8"},"10":{"id":207142,"text":"Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"C8","prefix_anchor":"C8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C7","next_prefix":"C9"},"11":{"id":207143,"text":"Any enrolled participant of a firearms training course who is at, or going to or from, a training location, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"C9","prefix_anchor":"C9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C8","next_prefix":"C10"},"12":{"id":207144,"text":"Any judge or justice of the Commonwealth, wherever such judge or justice may travel in the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"C10","prefix_anchor":"C10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C9","next_prefix":"D"},"13":{"id":207145,"text":"This section shall also not apply to any of the following individuals while in the discharge of their official duties, or while in transit to or from such duties:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C10","next_prefix":"D1"},"14":{"id":207146,"text":"Carriers of the United States mail;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"15":{"id":207147,"text":"Officers or guards of any state correctional institution;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"D3"},"16":{"id":207148,"text":"Conservators of the peace, except that a judge or justice of the Commonwealth, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or an assistant attorney for the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivisions C 7 and 10. However, the following conservators of the peace shall not be permitted to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit as provided in this article: (i) notaries public; (ii) registrars; (iii) drivers, operators, or other persons in charge of any motor vehicle carrier of passengers for hire; or (iv) commissioners in chancery; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"D3","prefix_anchor":"D3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"D4"},"17":{"id":207149,"text":"Noncustodial employees of the Department of Corrections designated to carry weapons by the Director of the Department of Corrections pursuant to § 53.1-29.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"D4","prefix_anchor":"D4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13122,"edition_id":1,"name":"Concealed Weapons and Concealed Handgun Permits","identifier":"6.1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12973,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:18","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:18","permalink":{"id":167119,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13122,"identifier":"6.1","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1","url":"\/18.2\/7\/6.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12973,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Health and Safety","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":166501,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12973,"identifier":"7","token":"18.2\/7","url":"\/18.2\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85552,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-307.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/18.2-307.1\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-307.1","metadata":false},{"id":56600,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308","catch_line":"Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty","url":"\/18.2-308\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308","metadata":false},{"id":78687,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.01","catch_line":"Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit","url":"\/18.2-308.01\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.01","metadata":false},{"id":57991,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.010","catch_line":"Renewal of concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.010\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.010","metadata":false},{"id":54818,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.011","catch_line":"Replacement permits","url":"\/18.2-308.011\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.011","metadata":false},{"id":56622,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.012","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct","url":"\/18.2-308.012\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.012","metadata":false},{"id":76584,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.013","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of permit","url":"\/18.2-308.013\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.013","metadata":false},{"id":54156,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.014","catch_line":"Reciprocity","url":"\/18.2-308.014\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.014","metadata":false},{"id":77380,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.015","catch_line":"Inclusion of Supreme Court website on application","url":"\/18.2-308.015\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.015","metadata":false},{"id":77788,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","url":"\/18.2-308.016\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.016","metadata":false},{"id":54280,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.02","catch_line":"Application for a concealed handgun permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary","url":"\/18.2-308.02\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.02","metadata":false},{"id":73895,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.03","catch_line":"Fees for concealed handgun permits","url":"\/18.2-308.03\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.03","metadata":false},{"id":82888,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.04","catch_line":"Processing of the application and issuance of a concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.04\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.04","metadata":false},{"id":60909,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.05","catch_line":"Issuance of a de facto permit","url":"\/18.2-308.05\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.05","metadata":false},{"id":67217,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.06","catch_line":"Nonresident concealed handgun permits","url":"\/18.2-308.06\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.06","metadata":false},{"id":71655,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.07","catch_line":"Entry of information into the Virginia Criminal Information Network","url":"\/18.2-308.07\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.07","metadata":false},{"id":73002,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.08","catch_line":"Denial of a concealed handgun permit; appeal","url":"\/18.2-308.08\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.08","metadata":false},{"id":85822,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.09","catch_line":"Disqualifications for a concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.09\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.09","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":85552,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-307.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/18.2-307.1\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-307.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78687,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.01","catch_line":"Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit","url":"\/18.2-308.01\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.01","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-308\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 42 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 358; in 1964, chapter 130; in 1975, chapters 14, 15, and 594; in 1976, chapter 302; in 1978, chapter 715; in 1979, chapter 642; in 1980, chapter 238; in 1981, chapter 376; in 1982, chapters 71 and 553; in 1983, chapter 529; in 1984, chapters 360 and 720; in 1985, chapter 427; in 1986, chapters 57, 451, 625, and 641; in 1987, chapters 592 and 707; in 1988, chapters 359 and 793; in 1989, chapters 538 and 542; in 1990, chapters 640, 648, and 825; in 1991, chapter 637; in 1992, chapters 510 and 705; in 1993, chapters 748 and 861; in 1994, chapters 375<\/a> and 697<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 829<\/a>; in 1997, chapters 916<\/a>, 921<\/a>, and 922<\/a>; in 1998, chapters 662<\/a>, 670<\/a>, 846<\/a>, and 847<\/a>; in 1999, chapters 628<\/a>, 666<\/a>, and 679<\/a>; in 2001, chapters 25<\/a>, 384<\/a>, and 657<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 699<\/a>, 728<\/a>, and 826<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 355<\/a>, 423<\/a>, 462<\/a>, 876<\/a>, 885<\/a>, 900<\/a>, 901<\/a>, 903<\/a>, 905<\/a>, 926<\/a>, 995<\/a>, and 1012<\/a>; in 2005, chapters 344<\/a>, 420<\/a>, 424<\/a>, 441<\/a>, and 839<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 886<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 87<\/a>, 272<\/a>, 408<\/a>, and 455<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 69<\/a>, 75<\/a>, 80<\/a>, 309<\/a>, 464<\/a>, and 742<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 235<\/a>, 779<\/a>, and 780<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 387<\/a>, 433<\/a>, 576<\/a>, 586<\/a>, 602<\/a>, 677<\/a>, 700<\/a>, 709<\/a>, 740<\/a>, 741<\/a>, 754<\/a>, 841<\/a>, and 863<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 231<\/a>, 234<\/a>, 384<\/a>, and 410<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 132<\/a>, 175<\/a>, 291<\/a>, 557<\/a>, and 776<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 559<\/a> and 746<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 45<\/a>, 225<\/a>, and 450<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 38<\/a>, 221<\/a>, and 730<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 257<\/a>, 589<\/a>, and 672<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 142<\/a> and 958<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 611<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74120,"section_number":"16.1-301","catch_line":"Confidentiality of juvenile law-enforcement records; disclosures to school principal and others","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-301\/"},{"id":56553,"section_number":"18.2-254.1","catch_line":"Recovery Court Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-254.1\/"},{"id":60587,"section_number":"18.2-283.1","catch_line":"Carrying weapon into courthouse","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-283.1\/"},{"id":70707,"section_number":"18.2-287.01","catch_line":"Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-287.01\/"},{"id":74480,"section_number":"18.2-287.4","catch_line":"Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-287.4\/"},{"id":78687,"section_number":"18.2-308.01","catch_line":"Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.01\/"},{"id":77788,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.016\/"},{"id":58832,"section_number":"18.2-308.1","catch_line":"Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.1\/"},{"id":56786,"section_number":"18.2-308.2","catch_line":"Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons; penalties; petition for restoration order; when issued","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.2\/"},{"id":67657,"section_number":"22.1-277.07","catch_line":"Expulsion of students under certain circumstances; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-277.07\/"},{"id":58781,"section_number":"4.1-318","catch_line":"Violations by armed person; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-318\/"},{"id":62214,"section_number":"4.1-336","catch_line":"Contraband beverages and other articles subject to forfeiture","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-336\/"},{"id":68976,"section_number":"54.1-2967","catch_line":"Physicians and others rendering medical aid to report certain wounds","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2967\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56622,"section_number":"18.2-308.012","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.012\/"},{"id":77788,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.016\/"},{"id":70840,"section_number":"53.1-29","catch_line":"Authority for correctional officers and other employees to carry weapons","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-29\/"}],"permalink":{"id":167125,"object_type":"law","relational_id":56600,"identifier":"18.2-308","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308","url":"\/18.2-308\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-308\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308","dublin_core":{"Title":"Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-308","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material<\/span>; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife<\/span>, machete, razor, sling bow, spring stick<\/span>, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. A second violation of this section or a conviction<\/span> under this section subsequent to any conviction<\/span> under any substantially similar ordinance<\/span> of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony<\/span>, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony<\/span>. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance<\/span> as to disguise the weapon’s true nature. It shall be an affirmative defense<\/span> to a violation of clause (i) regarding a handgun<\/span>, that a person had been issued, at the time of the offense<\/span>, a valid concealed handgun<\/span> permit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> This section shall not apply to any person while in his own place of abode or the curtilage thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Except as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 18.2-308.012<\/a>, this section shall not apply to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Any person while in his own place of business; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span>, or retired law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> pursuant to § 18.2-308.016<\/a>, wherever such law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> may travel in the Commonwealth; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Any person who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Any regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Any person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Any person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as authorized by the Board of Wildlife Resources, under inclement weather conditions necessitating temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions, provided that possession<\/span> of a handgun<\/span> while engaged in lawful hunting shall not be construed as hunting with a handgun<\/span> if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed handgun<\/span> permit; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Any attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, wherever such attorney may travel in the Commonwealth; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun<\/span> while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun<\/span> is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Any enrolled participant of a firearms training course who is at, or going to or from, a training location, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Any judge<\/span> or justice of the Commonwealth, wherever such judge<\/span> or justice may travel in the Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> This section shall also not apply to any of the following individuals while in the discharge of their official duties, or while in transit to or from such duties: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Carriers of the United States mail; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Officers or guards of any state correctional institution; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Conservators of the peace, except that a judge<\/span> or justice of the Commonwealth, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or an assistant attorney for the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun<\/span> pursuant to subdivisions C 7 and 10. However, the following conservators of the peace shall not be permitted to carry a concealed handgun<\/span> without obtaining a permit as provided in this article: (i) notaries public; (ii) registrars; (iii) drivers, operators, or other persons in charge of any motor vehicle carrier of passengers for hire; or (iv) commissioners in chancery<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Noncustodial employees of the Department of Corrections designated to carry weapons by the Director of the Department of Corrections pursuant to § 53.1-29<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS; EXCEPTIONS; PENALTY (\u00a7 18.2-308)\n\nA. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i)\nany pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile\nof any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any\ndirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, sling bow,\nspring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument\nconsisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow\nthem to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku,\nshuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at\nleast two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled\nand which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of\nlike kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this\nsection subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance\nof any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a\nthird or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For\nthe purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common\nobservation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to\ndisguise the weapon’s true nature. It shall be an affirmative defense to a\nviolation of clause (i) regarding a handgun, that a person had been issued, at\nthe time of the offense, a valid concealed handgun permit.\n\nB. This section shall not apply to any person while in his own place of abode or\nthe curtilage thereof.\n\nC. Except as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 18.2-308.012, this section shall not\napply to:\n\n 1. Any person while in his own place of business;\n\n 2. Any law-enforcement officer, or retired law-enforcement officer pursuant to\n § 18.2-308.016, wherever such law-enforcement officer may travel in the\n Commonwealth;\n\n 3. Any person who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range,\n provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being\n transported;\n\n 4. Any regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is\n at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the\n weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;\n\n 5. Any person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of\n purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped\n while being transported;\n\n 6. Any person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as authorized by the Board\n of Wildlife Resources, under inclement weather conditions necessitating\n temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions, provided that\n possession of a handgun while engaged in lawful hunting shall not be construed\n as hunting with a handgun if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed\n handgun permit;\n\n 7. Any attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the\n Commonwealth, wherever such attorney may travel in the Commonwealth;\n\n 8. Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun\n while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is\n secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel;\n\n 9. Any enrolled participant of a firearms training course who is at, or going\n to or from, a training location, provided that the weapons are unloaded and\n securely wrapped while being transported; and\n\n 10. Any judge or justice of the Commonwealth, wherever such judge or justice\n may travel in the Commonwealth.\n\nD. This section shall also not apply to any of the following individuals while\nin the discharge of their official duties, or while in transit to or from such\nduties:\n\n 1. Carriers of the United States mail;\n\n 2. Officers or guards of any state correctional institution;\n\n 3. Conservators of the peace, except that a judge or justice of the\n Commonwealth, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or an assistant attorney for\n the Commonwealth may carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivisions C 7\n and 10. However, the following conservators of the peace shall not be\n permitted to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit as provided\n in this article: (i) notaries public; (ii) registrars; (iii) drivers,\n operators, or other persons in charge of any motor vehicle carrier of\n passengers for hire; or (iv) commissioners in chancery; and\n\n 4. Noncustodial employees of the Department of Corrections designated to carry\n weapons by the Director of the Department of Corrections pursuant to §\n 53.1-29.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 18.1-269; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 130; 1975, cc. 14, 15,\n594; 1976, c. 302; 1978, c. 715; 1979, c. 642; 1980, c. 238; 1981, c. 376; 1982,\ncc. 71, 553; 1983, c. 529; 1984, cc. 360, 720; 1985, c. 427; 1986, cc. 57, 451,\n625, 641; 1987, cc. 592, 707; 1988, cc. 359, 793; 1989, cc. 538, 542; 1990, cc.\n640, 648, 825; 1991, c. 637; 1992, cc. 510, 705; 1993, cc. 748, 861; 1994, cc.\n375, 697; 1995, c. 829; 1997, cc. 916, 921, 922; 1998, cc. 662, 670, 846, 847;\n1999, cc. 628, 666, 679; 2001, cc. 25, 384, 657; 2002, cc. 699, 728, 826; 2004,\ncc. 355, 423, 462, 876, 885, 900, 901, 903, 905, 926, 995, 1012; 2005, cc. 344,\n420, 424, 441, 839; 2006, c. 886; 2007, cc. 87, 272, 408, 455; 2008, cc. 69, 75,\n80, 309, 464, 742; 2009, cc. 235, 779, 780; 2010, cc. 387, 433, 576, 586, 602,\n677, 700, 709, 740, 741, 754, 841, 863; 2011, cc. 231, 234, 384, 410; 2012, cc.\n132, 175, 291, 557, 776; 2013, cc. 559, 746; 2014, cc. 45, 225, 450; 2015, cc.\n38, 221, 730; 2016, cc. 257, 589, 672; 2020, cc. 142, 958; 2023, c. 611.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}