Open carry
of loaded or unloaded firearms in public is generally prohibited,
although open carry may be allowed in unincorporated rural areas under
certain circumstances.

Personal possession (i.e., carry) of a loaded firearm is prohibited
in incorporated areas (such as inside city limits) or prohibited areas
of unincorporated territory without a license to carry or other
exemption provided for by law.^{[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_California#cite_note-55][55][/url]}
A license to carry "loaded and exposed" may be issued by a Police Chief
or County Sheriff in a county with population of less than 200,000
persons at the last census.^{[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_California#cite_note-Caag.state.ca.us-39][39][/url]}
No license or permit is required to openly carry a loaded firearm in
unincorporated areas where discharge is not prohibited by local
ordinance.