UPDATED 7/11/2020 @ 4:39 P.M. EST
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COLOR GUIDE FOR INFORMATION BELOW:
GREEN: NO LAWS THAT RESTRICT MASKS AT ALL IN THE STATE CODE
YELLOW: SOME LAWS THAT RESTRICT MASKS, BUT NOT SPECIFIC TO FIREARMS
RED: SPECIFIC LAWS RESTRICTING MASKS AND FIREARMS
Can you wear a mask while carrying a firearm? Until March 2020, this question had never really been asked. Given recent events, however, it has now become something gun owners need to know.
Recently, a viral meme has been spreading related to wearing masks while carrying a firearm (and it’s not the only one):
This post has been marked as “False Information” by Facebook and has also been deemed False by Politifact & Factcheck.org. Showing their level of analysis, Politifact cited a few sheriffs they interviewed and a tweet by the state of Utah to conclude “No, wearing a mask doesn’t void concealed-carry permit.“
It is not, however, that simple. There are dozens of laws relating to the wearing of masks in the United States. Although there is no federal law prohibiting the carrying of firearms while masked, there are many state laws that can restrict one’s conduct while wearing a mask (including the carrying of a firearm).
We have scoured all 50 states’ laws to bring you this definitive resource for laws relating to masks and carrying a firearm. Click on your state in the below map. If your state has a law prohibiting carrying while wearing a mask you will find the law cited along with an explanation.
Many of the state laws prohibiting masks are mens rea crimes. Mens Rea is the state of mind that the prosecution, to secure a conviction, must prove that a defendant had when committing a crime (i.e. the mens rea for theft is the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property). Meaning, wearing a mask by itself would not generally constitute a crime, it must be accompanied by an intent to intimidate or do something else unlawful. There are, however, some states that simply have blanket bans on wearing masks, so click through the below map to see how the laws vary from state to state.
Alabama
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Alabama has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Alaska
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Alaska has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Arizona
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Arizona has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, masks may be considered an aggravating circumstance if charged with another crime. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law: The trier of fact shall determine and the court shall consider the following aggravating circumstances:
During or immediately following the commission of the offense, the defendant used a mask or other disguise to obscure the defendant’s face to avoid identification.
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-701
Arkansas
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Arkansas has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
California
WARNING: MASK RESTRICTION LAW
California is one of the few states that has a blanket law outlawing the possession of a firearm “while masked so as to hide the person’s identity.” In theory this means a mask designed not to hide one’s identity might be permissible, but the law does not provide further clarity.
The Law:
- A person commits criminal possession of a firearm when the person carries a firearm in a public place or on any public street while masked so as to hide the person’s identity. Criminal possession of a firearm is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year.
Cal. Penal Code § 25300
Colorado
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Colorado has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Connecticut
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Connecticut has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a broad law that prohibits “deprivation of a person’s civil rights by person wearing mask or hood“. This law is not specifically firearm related and thus is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- Any person who, with the intent to subject, or cause to be subjected, any other person to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities, secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of this state or of the United States, on account of religion, national origin, alienage, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, blindness or physical disability, violates the provisions of section 46a-58 while wearing a mask, hood or other device designed to conceal the identity of such person shall be guilty of a class D felony.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53-37a
Delaware
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Delaware has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a restriction on wearing masks under their disorderly conduct statute. This law is not specifically firearm related thus is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when:The person intentionally causes public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to any other person, or creates a risk thereof by… Congregating with other persons in a public place while wearing masks, hoods or other garments rendering their faces unrecognizable, for the purpose of and in a manner likely to imminently subject any person to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States of America.
Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1301
Florida
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Florida has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, masks may be considered an aggravating factor if charged with another crime. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- The provisions of [this section] apply only if the person was wearing the mask, hood, or other device:
(1) With the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of the equal protection of the laws or of equal privileges and immunities under the laws or for the purpose of preventing the constituted authorities of this state or any subdivision thereof from, or hindering them in, giving or securing to all persons within this state the equal protection of the laws;
(2) With the intent, by force or threat of force, to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because of the person’s exercise of any right secured by federal, state, or local law or to intimidate such person or any other person or any class of persons from exercising any right secured by federal, state, or local law;
(3) With the intent to intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass any other person; or
(4) While she or he was engaged in conduct that could reasonably lead to the institution of a civil or criminal proceeding against her or him, with the intent of avoiding identification in such a proceeding.
Fla. Stat. Ann. § 876.155 (West)
Georgia
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Georgia has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a very broad law that prohibits wearing “a mask, hood, or device by which any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer”, subject to a few exceptions. Georgia’s Governor has issued an executivie order clarifying this law does not apply to masks to protect from COVID-19. As such, this law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- A person is guilty of a misdemeanor when he wears a mask, hood, or device by which any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer and is upon any public way or public property or upon the private property of another without the written permission of the owner or occupier of the property to do so.
This Code section shall not apply to:
(1) A person wearing a traditional holiday costume on the occasion of the holiday;
(2) A person lawfully engaged in trade and employment or in a sporting activity where a mask is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the wearer, or because of the nature of the occupation, trade, or profession, or sporting activity;
(3) A person using a mask in a theatrical production including use in Mardi gras celebrations and masquerade balls; or
(4) A person wearing a gas mask prescribed in emergency management drills and exercises or emergencies.
Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-38
On April 13, 2020 Georgia’s Governor issued Executive Order No. 04.13.20.02 (2019 GA EO 492), related to the COVID-19 Public Health State of Emergency, ordering that § 16-11-38 shall not apply to any person wearing “a mask, hood, or device by which any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer” if that person is wearing such device for the purpose of complying with the guidance of any healthcare agency or to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Hawaii
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Hawaii has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Idaho
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Idaho has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Illinois
WARNING: MASK RESTRICTION LAW
Illinois is one of the few states that has a blanket law outlawing the possession of a firearm “masked in such manner as to conceal his or her identity.” In theory this means a mask designed not to hide one’s identity might be permissible, but the law does not provide further clarity.
The Law:
- A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly…Carries or possesses in a vehicle or on or about his or her person any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or firearm or ballistic knife, when he or she is hooded, robed or masked in such manner as to conceal his or her identity;
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/24-1
In late April, 2020, the Illinois State Police issued a statement regarding concealed carry and masks:
- “The executive order does not require or suggest that law enforcement should arrest or criminally charge conceal carry license permit holders for wearing protective masks while in public as long as they are complying with the other provisions of the Illinois Concealed Carry Act and are not committing any other violations of Illinois law,”
Despite the statement by ISP, the law still says what is says so permit holders should use their own discretion.
Indiana
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Indiana has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Iowa
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Iowa has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Kansas
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Kansas has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Kentucky
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Kentucky has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Louisiana
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Louisiana has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a very broad law that prohibits the “wearing of masks, hoods, or other facial disguises in public places“, subject to a few exceptions. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- No person shall use or wear in any public place of any character whatsoever, or in any open place in view thereof, a hood or mask, or anything in the nature of either, or any facial disguise of any kind or description, calculated to conceal or hide the identity of the person or to prevent his being readily recognized.
Whoever violates this Section shall be imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than three years.
This Section shall not apply:
(1) To activities of children on Halloween, to persons participating in any public parade or exhibition of an educational, religious, or historical character given by any school, church, or public governing authority, or to persons in any private residence, club, or lodge room.
(2) To persons participating in masquerade balls or entertainments, to persons participating in carnival parades or exhibitions during the period of Mardi Gras festivities, to persons participating in the parades or exhibitions of minstrel troupes, circuses, or other dramatic or amusement shows, or to promiscuous masking on Mardi Gras which are duly authorized by the governing authorities of the municipality in which they are held or by the sheriff of the parish if held outside of an incorporated municipality.
(3) To persons wearing head covering or veils pursuant to religious beliefs or customs.
(4) To persons driving or riding a motorcycle.
(5) To persons wearing a helmet or mask for medical purposes or reasons.
La. Stat. Ann. § 14:313
Maine
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Maine has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Maryland
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Maryland has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Massachusetts
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Massachusetts has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a broad law that prohibits “disguises to obstruct execution of law, performance of duties, or exercise of rights“. This law is not specifically firearm related and thus is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- Whoever disguises himself with intent to obstruct the due execution of the law, or to intimidate, hinder or interrupt an officer or other person in the lawful performance of his duty, or in the exercise of his rights under the constitution or laws of the commonwealth, whether such intent is effected or not, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year and may if imprisoned also be bound to good behavior for one year after the expiration of such imprisonment.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 268, § 34
Michigan
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Michigan has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a very broad law that prohibits the “concealment of identity by wearing mask or other device covering face for purpose of facilitating commission of crime“. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- A person who intentionally conceals his or her identity by wearing a mask or other device covering his or her face for the purpose of facilitating the commission of a crime is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.396
Minnesota
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Minnesota has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a very broad and curious law that makes “concealing identity” a crime, subject to a few exceptions (one of which is notably for “medical treatment”). This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- A person whose identity is concealed by the person in a public place by means of a robe, mask, or other disguise, unless based on religious beliefs, or incidental to amusement, entertainment, protection from weather, or medical treatment, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Minn. Stat. Ann. § 609.735
Mississippi
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Mississippi has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Missouri
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Missouri has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Montana
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Montana has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Nebraska
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Nebraska has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Nevada
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Nevada has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
New Hampshire
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
New Hampshire has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
New Jersey
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
New Jersey has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
New Mexico
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While New Mexico has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, it is unlawful to commit the crime of “concealing identity”. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law: Concealing identity consists of concealing one’s true name or identity, or disguising oneself with intent to obstruct the due execution of the law or with intent to intimidate, hinder or interrupt any public officer or any other person in a legal performance of his duty or the exercise of his rights under the laws of the United States or of this state.
Whoever commits concealing identity is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-22-3
New York
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
New York has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
North Carolina
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While North Carolina has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have several very broad laws that prohibit the “wearing of masks, hoods, etc., on public ways” among other activities. This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked, however gun owners should note the last law posted below regarding interactions with law enforcement.
The Laws:
- No person or persons at least 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood or device whereby the person, face or voice is disguised so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter, be or appear upon any lane, walkway, alley, street, road, highway or other public way in this State.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-12.7 - No person or persons shall in this State, while wearing any mask, hood or device whereby the person, face or voice is disguised so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter, or appear upon or within the public property of any municipality or county of the State, or of the State of North Carolina.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-12.8 - No person or persons at least 16 years of age shall, while wearing a mask, hood or device whereby the person, face or voice is disguised so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, demand entrance or admission, enter or come upon or into, or be upon or in the premises, enclosure or house of any other person in any municipality or county of this State.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-12.9 - No person or persons at least 16 years of age shall while wearing a mask, hood or device whereby the person, face or voice is disguised so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, hold any manner of meeting, or make any demonstration upon the private property of another unless such person or persons shall first obtain from the owner or occupier of the property his or her written permission to do so, which said written permission shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which said property is located before the beginning of such meeting or demonstration.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-12.10 - A person wearing a mask for the purpose of ensuring the physical health or safety of the wearer or others shall remove the mask, upon request by a law enforcement officer, in any of the following circumstances:
(1) During a traffic stop, including a checkpoint or roadblock pursuant to G.S. 20-16.3A.
(2) When a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion or probable cause during a criminal investigation.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-12.11
North Dakota
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While North Dakota has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do restrict “wearing of masks during commission of criminal offense.” This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
An individual may not wear a mask, hood, or other device that covers, hides, or conceals any portion of that individual’s face:
a. With the intent to intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass any other individual;
b. For the purpose of evading or escaping discovery, recognition, or identification during the commission of a criminal offense; or
c. For the purpose of concealment, flight, or escape when the individual has been charged with, arrested for, or convicted of a criminal offense.
A violation of this section is a class A misdemeanor.
N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 12.1-31-15
Ohio
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Ohio has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a law that prohibits “conspiracy while wearing disguise.” This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- No person shall unite with two or more others to commit a misdemeanor while wearing white caps, masks, or other disguise.
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3761.12
Oklahoma
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Oklahoma has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do restrict the “unlawful wearing of masks or hoods” This law is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked.
The Law:
- It shall be unlawful for any person in this state to wear a mask, hood or covering, which conceals the identity of the wearer during the commission of a crime or for the purpose of coercion, intimidation or harassment; provided, the provisions of this title shall not apply to the pranks of children on Halloween, to those going to, or from, or participating in masquerade parties, to those participating in any public parade or exhibition of an educational, religious or historical character, to those participating in any meeting of any organization within any building or enclosure wholly within and under the control of said organization, and to those participating in the parades or exhibitions of minstrel troupes, circuses or other amusements or dramatic shows. Any person, or persons, violating the provisions of this section, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not exceeding one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, § 1301
Oregon
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Oregon has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Pennsylvania
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Pennsylvania has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Rhode Island
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Rhode Island has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
South Carolina
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While South Carolina has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a general law that prohibits “wearing a mask or other device which conceals his identity.” This law does not relate specifically to firearms and is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- No person over sixteen years of age shall appear or enter upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, public way or highway of this State or upon the public property of the State or of any municipality or county in this State while wearing a mask or other device which conceals his identity. Nor shall any such person demand entrance or admission to or enter upon the premises or into the enclosure or house of any other person while wearing a mask or device which conceals his identity. Nor shall any such person, while wearing a mask or device which conceals his identity, participate in any meeting or demonstration upon the private property of another unless he shall have first obtained the written permission of the owner and the occupant of such property.
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-7-110
South Dakota
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
South Dakota has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Tennessee
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Tennessee has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Texas
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Texas has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Utah
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Utah has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Vermont
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Vermont has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms on a state level, there have been reports of local ordinances that prohibit the wearing of masks. We are unable to verify the status of these local ordinances and thus unable to predeict if they will be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
Virginia
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Virginia has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a law that prohibit the “wearing of masks in certain places“. As the law provides a specific exception for a medical public health emergency, it is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- It shall be unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes; (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons; (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball; or (iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon (a) the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device, or (b) the declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the Governor in response to a public health emergency where the emergency declaration expressly waives this section, defines the mask appropriate for the emergency, and provides for the duration of the waiver. The violation of any provisions of this section is a Class 6 felony.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-422
Washington
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Washington has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Washington, D.C.
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While Washington DC has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a restriction on wearing masks and engaging in certain conduct. This law is not specifically firearm related thus is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- (a) No person or persons over 16 years of age, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, shall:
(1) Enter upon, be, or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road highway, or other public way in the District of Columbia;
(2) Enter upon, be, or appear upon or within the public property of the District of Columbia; or
(3) Hold any manner of meeting or demonstration.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section apply only if the person was wearing the hood, mask, or other device:
(1) With the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of equal protection of the law or of equal privileges and immunities under the law, or for the purpose of preventing or hindering the constituted authorities of the United States or the District of Columbia from giving or securing for all persons within the District of Columbia equal protection of the law;
(2) With the intent, by force or threat of force, to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because of his or her exercise of any right secured by federal or District of Columbia laws, or to intimidate any person or any class of persons from exercising any right secured by federal or District of Columbia laws;
(3) With the intent to intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass any other person;
(4) With the intent to cause another person to fear for his or her personal safety, or, where it is probable that reasonable persons will be put in fear for their personal safety by the defendant’s actions, with reckless disregard for that probability; or
(5) While engaged in conduct prohibited by civil or criminal law, with the intent of avoiding identification.
D.C. Code Ann. § 22-3312.03 (West)
West Virginia
CAUTION: SOME MASK RESTRICTIONS
While West Virginia has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, they do have a broad law that prohibits “wearing masks, hoods or face coverings“, subject to a few exceptions. This law is not specifically firearm related and thus is unlikely to be applied to the mere carrying of a lawful firearm while masked for COVID-19.
The Law:
- Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person, whether in a motor vehicle or otherwise, while wearing any mask, hood or device whereby any portion of the face is so covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, may:
(1) Come into or appear upon any walk, alley, street, road, highway or other thoroughfare dedicated to public use;
(2) Come into or appear in any trading area, concourse, waiting room, lobby or foyer open to, used by or frequented by the general public;
(3) Come into or appear upon or within any of the grounds or buildings owned, leased, maintained or operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof;
(4) Ask, request, or demand entrance or admission to the premises, enclosure, dwelling or place of business of any other person within this state; or
(5) Attend or participate in any meeting upon private property of another unless written permission for such meeting has first been obtained from the owner or occupant thereof.
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person:
(1) Under sixteen years of age;
(2) Wearing a traditional holiday costume;
(3) Engaged in a trade or employment where a mask, hood or device is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the wearer;
(4) Using a mask, hood or device in theatrical productions, including use in mardi gras celebrations or similar masquerade balls;
(5) Wearing a mask, hood or device prescribed for civil defense drills, exercises or emergencies; or
(6) Wearing a mask, hood or device for the sole purpose of protection from the elements or while participating in a winter sport.
(c) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned in the county jail not more than one year, or both fined and imprisoned.
W. Va. Code Ann. § 61-6-22
Wisconsin
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Wisconsin has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
Wyoming
YES. NO KNOWN MASK RESTRICTIONS.
Wyoming has no known mask restriction laws, which means there are no restrictions that limit your ability to carry a firearm while wearing a mask in this state.
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