Do “No Gun” Signs Actually Carry the Force of Law?

One of the most common questions concealed carry permit holders ask is whether “No Gun” signs actually mean anything legally. You see them posted on doors, windows, and walls of businesses across the country—but do they carry the force of law, or are they just policy statements?

The answer is: sometimes. Whether a “No Gun” sign is legally enforceable depends on state law, statutory requirements, and how private property rights are enforced in that jurisdiction.

No Gun Signs

This article explains what “No Gun” signs really mean, when they matter, and what happens if you ignore them.

What a “No Gun” Sign Actually Is

At its core, a “No Gun” sign is a statement of intent by a property owner or operator. It communicates that firearms are not welcome on the premises.

What it does not automatically mean is that carrying past the sign is a crime.

A sign only has legal force if state law explicitly grants it legal authority. Without statutory backing, a sign alone does not create a criminal offense.

States Where “No Gun” Signs Carry the Force of Law

In some states, “No Gun” signs do carry the force of law if they meet specific statutory requirements. Ignoring a properly posted sign in these states can result in criminal charges, even if no one asks you to leave.

Examples include:

Texas – Uses specific statutory signage (commonly referred to as 30.06 for concealed carry and 30.07 for open carry). If the sign meets exact legal wording, size, and placement requirements, carrying past it is a criminal offense.
North Carolina – Concealed carry is prohibited on private property where the owner has posted conspicuous notice banning firearms.
Kansas – Private property owners may prohibit firearms by using state-approved signage that meets statutory design and placement requirements.
South Carolina – Certain posted signs that meet statutory criteria can make carrying a firearm unlawful.
Tennessee – Properly posted signage can legally prohibit firearms on private property.

In these states, the details matter. A sign that does not meet statutory requirements may not be enforceable.

States Where “No Gun” Signs Do NOT Automatically Carry the Force of Law

In many states, “No Gun” signs do not create a criminal violation by themselves. Instead, they function as notice of private property policy.

Examples include:

Colorado
Arizona
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Washington
Oregon

In these states:

Carrying past the sign is usually not automatically illegal
The property owner or manager may still ask you to leave
If you refuse to leave after notice, the issue can escalate into criminal trespass

The firearm itself may be lawful—the refusal to comply is what creates criminal exposure.

Illegal vs. Trespass: A Critical Distinction

There is a major difference between:

Carrying illegally under statute, and
Being asked to leave private property

If carrying past a sign is illegal in your state, you may be charged immediately.

If carrying past a sign is not illegal:

The issue becomes trespass only after notice
Once you are told to leave, you must comply
Refusing to leave can result in arrest—even if the firearm itself is lawful

The sign may not be enforceable on its own, but the property owner’s right to exclude you is.

Businesses Open to the Public Are Still Private Property

Restaurants, stores, malls, and similar locations may be open to the public, but they are still private property.

Being open to the public does not remove the owner’s right to:

Set conditions of entry
Ask someone to leave
Enforce policies through trespass law

Public access does not equal public ownership.

“Concealed Means Concealed” Is a Risky Assumption

Some people rely on the idea that “concealed means concealed.” While concealment may reduce detection, it does not eliminate legal or practical consequences.

If discovered:

You may be asked to leave
You may be formally trespassed
You may face employment or administrative consequences

Concealment does not change the legality of ignoring a lawful sign or refusing to leave.

Government Buildings, Schools, and Restricted Areas

In many cases, signage is not the issue at all.

Some locations are prohibited by law regardless of posted signs, including:

Courthouses
Certain government buildings
School grounds and school zones (with limited exceptions)
Secured or restricted facilities
More areas and locations may have restrictions. Check Federal, State and Local law

In these locations, the law—not the sign—controls. Carrying there can result in criminal charges even if no sign is posted.

Best Practices for CCW Holders

Before carrying past a “No Gun” sign:

Know whether your state gives signs the force of law
Understand your state’s trespass rules
Be prepared to leave immediately if asked
Never assume signage is meaningless everywhere

When in doubt, compliance or leaving the property is usually the safest option.

“No Gun” Signs: Questions & Answers

Do “No Gun” signs automatically make carrying illegal?

No. A “No Gun” sign only has the force of law in states where statutes specifically grant it legal authority. In other states, the sign is a policy notice, not a criminal prohibition.

Can I be arrested just for walking past a “No Gun” sign?

It depends on the state. In states where signage has legal force, ignoring a compliant sign can result in criminal charges. In other states, carrying past the sign is not illegal unless you refuse to leave after being asked.

If a sign does not have the force of law, do I still have to leave?

Yes. Even if the sign itself is not legally enforceable, the property owner or manager may ask you to leave. Refusing to do so can result in a criminal trespass charge.

Do “No Gun” signs apply to concealed carry?

Yes. When signs are enforceable, they apply to both open and concealed carry. Concealment does not change the legality of ignoring a lawful sign.

What about businesses that are open to the public?

Businesses open to the public are still private property. Owners may set conditions of entry, including firearm restrictions, and may enforce those conditions through trespass law.

Do “No Gun” signs matter in government buildings or schools?

In many cases, signage is irrelevant because the law already prohibits carry in those locations. Courthouses, certain government buildings, and school grounds are often restricted regardless of posted signs.

What if the sign is small, unclear, or poorly placed?

In states where signage has the force of law, signs usually must meet statutory requirements to be enforceable. In states where signs do not carry legal force, placement generally does not matter for criminal purposes, but the property owner may still ask you to leave.

Bottom Line

“No Gun” signs are not universally enforceable—but they are not meaningless either. In some states, they carry the force of law. In others, they function as notice that can lead to trespass charges if ignored.

A concealed carry permit does not override private property rights or state-specific signage laws. Responsible CCW holders understand when a sign is a crime, when it is a warning, and when it is time to leave.

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

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Legal Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.