No, Massachusetts prohibits the open carry of handguns in public without a license, classifying it as a Class B misdemeanor under MGL c. 269, § 10(a). The state’s strict licensing regime, enforced by local police chiefs and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), requires a License to Carry (LTC) for open carry, which is rarely issued for non-retired individuals. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to further restrict firearm visibility, reflecting heightened municipal oversight in cities like Boston and Springfield.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Massachusetts
- Licensing Mandate: Open carry demands a valid License to Carry (LTC) issued by the applicant’s local police chief or the EOPSS, which may deny issuance if the applicant fails a background check or lacks “good reason” under MGL c. 140, § 131.
- Prohibited Locations: Open carry is banned in government buildings, schools, courthouses, and private properties with posted restrictions, per MGL c. 269, § 10(b) and local ordinances.
- Transportation Rules: Firearms transported openly must be unloaded and secured in a locked container, with ammunition stored separately, per MGL c. 140, § 131E.