Not inside the buildings. Concealed firearms are prohibited in all publicly-owned buildings.

However, openly carried firearms are legal in Ohio. Before you choose this legal option for self-protection at a rest-stop, consider this email from the Ohio Attorney General's office:

While it is legal for a person to carry a weapon openly some law enforcement agencies have said such actions may prompt an arrest for inducing panic, a misdemeanor.

It is impossible to say if any particular officer will cause problems for any particular person at any particular time, but carrying openly in a rest area – while within the bounds of law – may still result in difficulties.

Mark Gribben
Director of Constituent Services
Office of Attorney General Jim Petro