Where You Can & Can't Carry

Leave it at home (non-exhaustive list)

K-12 school property and school buses (§ 18.2-308.1); permit holders may keep a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle in the school parking lot
Courthouses (§ 18.2-283.1)
Capitol Square and surrounding area, and certain Commonwealth-owned or leased buildings (§ 18.2-283.2)
Local government buildings, public parks, recreation/community centers, and public areas used by or next to a permitted event, if the locality has adopted an ordinance (§ 15.2-915(E))
Federal property and airport secure areas (federal law)
Private property where the owner prohibits it

Drinks and carry don’t mix

Carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a public place is a Class 1 misdemeanor. In an ABC-licensed restaurant or club you may carry concealed but may not consume alcohol on the premises (§ 18.2-308.012).

So, is Virginia constitutional carry?

Virginia is not a permitless-carry state for concealed handguns: carrying a handgun hidden from common observation is a crime under § 18.2-308(A) unless you hold a permit or fall under a statutory exception. Open carry is not addressed on this site; consult the Code before relying on it.

Questions folks ask

Is Virginia a constitutional carry state?

No. A concealed handgun permit is generally required to carry concealed in Virginia.

Can I carry in a Virginia restaurant that serves alcohol?

Yes with a permit, but under § 18.2-308.012 you may not consume alcohol on the premises of an ABC-licensed restaurant or club while carrying concealed.