Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Practice Exam

Where can you not carry a concealed pistol, even with a CPL?

1. Bars and restaurants

2. Private businesses that allow concealed carry

3. Public parks during daylight hours

4. Courthouses and jail properties

The correct answer is: Courthouses and jail properties

In Washington state, carrying a concealed pistol is strictly prohibited in courthouses and on jail properties. This restriction is in place due to the sensitive nature of these locations, where security is paramount. Courthouses often deal with high-stress situations, legal conflicts, and interventions involving law enforcement, making it critical to minimize the potential for firearms in these environments. Similarly, jail properties are secure facilities where the presence of weapons could pose significant safety risks, potentially leading to escapes, violence, or intimidation. As a result, regardless of the possession of a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL), individuals are not allowed to carry concealed firearms in these specific locations. In contrast, bars and restaurants may allow concealed carry if they do not serve alcohol or meet other specific criteria. Private businesses may establish their own policies on concealed carry, and public parks also have more flexibility regarding firearm carry, especially during daylight hours.