In South Carolina, owning a gun comes with responsibilities and restrictions. While the state allows lawful owners to carry guns, there are specific locations where carrying a firearm, concealed or not, is not allowed. Failure to follow these rules can lead to severe consequences. These can include fines, imprisonment and the revocation of the permit.
Locations where you cannot carry firearms
Under South Carolina law, there are several locations where carrying a firearm is illegal. These include:
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities: This includes all detention facilities.
- Courthouses and courtrooms: Carrying a firearm here can disrupt the peace and order that these places require.
- Polling places on election days: This rule ensures the safety and neutrality of election sites.
- Government offices and meetings: This includes offices or business meetings of any county governing body, public school district and other municipalities.
- Schools and college athletic events: This applies at athletic events unrelated to firearms.
- Day care and preschools: These places house vulnerable populations and thus necessitate extra safety measures.
- Places restricted by federal law: This refers to any location where federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms.
- Religious sanctuaries: Without permission from church officials, it is illegal to bring firearms to churches or similar places.
- Medical facilities: This category includes hospitals or other facilities where medical procedures occur. In these places, you need authorization from the employer to carry firearms.
Additionally, you cannot carry a weapon in places with a sign that says “No concealable weapons allowed.” This extends to places with signs saying anything similar that prohibits such action.
Violations can lead to penalties or revocations
Violating these firearm restrictions could result in severe consequences. If you willingly disregard these rules, you may find yourself charged with a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, you could face a fine of no less than $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year or both. Plus, this could lead to the revocation of your firearm permit for five years. South Carolina protects your right to carry a firearm. However, as a permitted gun owner, it’s important to understand and respect the rules that come with it. Knowing the locations where carrying is illegal is crucial. It not only ensures community safety and peace but also helps you avoid potential legal complications.