South Carolina § 23-31-245 - Openly carrying a weapon.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-245 — Openly carrying a weapon., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-31-245. Openly carrying a weapon.
A person openly carrying a weapon in accordance with this article does not give a law enforcement officer reasonable suspicion or probable cause to search, detain, or arrest the person. This article does not prevent a law enforcement officer from searching, detaining, or arresting a person when he has a particularized and objective basis for suspecting the particular person stopped of criminal activity. A person merely carrying a weapon in accordance with this article is not sufficient to justify a search, detention, or arrest.
HISTORY: 2024 Act No. 111 (H.3594), SECTION 19, eff March 7, 2024.
Editor's Note
2024 Act No. 111, SECTIONS 1 and 24, provide as follows:
"SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the 'South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024'."
"SECTION 24. No provision in this act should be construed as the General Assembly discouraging responsible gun ownership; and the General Assembly, in fact, encourages all gun owners to pursue and receive appropriate gun safety training before carrying a firearm or weapon."
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 23-31-245
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-245 cover?
Section 23-31-245 ("Openly carrying a weapon.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 23-31-245?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-245" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 23-31-245 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.