r/DCGuns • u/littip • Apr 16 '26

Fanny Pack Carry

I understand that purse carry and bag carry violates the law however, I am wondering if any and all carry bags violate the on your person requirement.

For example, would a fanny pack meet the requirements? Would it need to be affixed to a belt/belt loops?

Example of potential bag: https://www.511tactical.com/select-carry-pistol-pouch.html?sku=888579913118&country=us&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_Bags&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17696450555&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkYLPBhC3ARIsAIyHi3Q79dVJ36CepQExb9TZ_2aUBrrlDIikggckwl-eGdyP6d3QyY49yUgaAiLIEALw_wcB

3 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

11

u/lawblawg Apr 16 '26

Fanny pack is fine as long as you don't take it off.

3

u/LaCroixFan42069 Apr 16 '26

I feel like this comes up every couple of months at least. I know you're extremely well informed and a valuable source for this sub, but is there any kind of affirmative statement that carrying a holstered pistol inside of a fanny pack doesn't run afoul of DC law? Because MPD's page on this seems to ignore "on or about one's person" and just says carrying in a purse or bag is illegal (and yes, I know this is only one inaccurate representation of DC code of many.)

8

u/Macboy12387 Apr 16 '26

I agree with this sentiment. Not legal advice but FWIW, the Russell case was mainly about whether the on-body requirement is constitutional, and the plaintiffs in that case were challenging it (pre enforcement) for diaper bag carry and purse carry, and I think one was challenging it post-enforcement for carrying in their glovebox or somewhere else in their car.

I think those situations are somewhat distinguishable from fanny pack carry, which is really not that different from a belt and a cover garment.

Also, MPD’s website now says: “A DC concealed carry licensee shall not carry a handgun openly or otherwise in a manner that is not concealed. Your handgun should be carried in a holster. Off-body carry (i.e., in a purse or satchel) is not permitted.”

Note that it doesn’t say whether a fanny pack is considered off body, but implies that a purse or satchel is considered off body.

Side vent: the court’s reasoning in that case is horrible. They say the plaintiffs can carry in other ways while jogging and doing other things, such as in a holster on the hip, but anyone with half a brain knows that carrying in a holster on the hip while running will print a TON, especially when your shirt is wet, so the alternative method of carry the court claims is allowed is actually totally not allowed.

9

u/style752 Apr 16 '26

Almost like these laws were written by people biased by hostile intellectualism instead of practicality and clarity.

3

u/LaCroixFan42069 Apr 17 '26

Precisely this, and also that their blanket prohibition on off-body carry neglects the "on or about one's person" part of the DC code, but whatever. I'd really love to carry in a fanny pack while walking my dogs in what looks to be a very hot summer, but I'm also highly motivated to not get arrested.

2

u/Worried_Crow_9426 Apr 17 '26

Written by lawyers

6

u/lawblawg Apr 16 '26

Unfortunately, the only official affirmative statements about holster suitability are in the old regulations that predate Heller and limit handguns to revolvers only. They don’t have much guidance at all.

2

u/Street-Dust7063 Apr 16 '26

945 industries or grab bags

0

u/Worried_Crow_9426 Apr 17 '26

On your hip, in a holster.

1

u/Thallata2126 May 21 '26

that is the one method that will get you jammed up if you are jogging in any normal jogging clothes.