Dangerous Use of Firearms or Other Weapons

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Article 4 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Dangerous Use of Firearms or Other Weapons.” It is part of Chapter 7 “Crimes Involving Health and Safety”, which is part of Title 18.2 “Crimes and Offenses Generally”. It contains 19 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 19 sections.

§ 18.2-279	Discharging firearms or missiles within or at building or dwelling house; penalty
§ 18.2-280	Willfully discharging firearms in public places
§ 18.2-281	Setting spring gun or other deadly weapon
§ 18.2-282	Pointing, holding, or brandishing firearm, air or gas operated weapon or object similar in appearance; penalty
§ 18.2-282.1	Brandishing a machete or other bladed weapon with intent to intimidate; penalty
§ 18.2-283	Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship
§ 18.2-283.1	Carrying weapon into courthouse
§ 18.2-283.2	Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc.; penalty
§ 18.2-284	Selling or giving toy firearms
§ 18.2-285	Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug; penalty
§ 18.2-286	Shooting in or across road or in street
§ 18.2-286.1	Shooting from vehicles so as to endanger persons; penalty
§ 18.2-287	Repealed
§ 18.2-287.01	Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal
§ 18.2-287.1	Repealed
§ 18.2-287.2	Wearing of body armor while committing a crime; penalty
§ 18.2-287.3	Repealed
§ 18.2-287.4	Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty
§ 18.2-287.5	Reporting lost or stolen firearms; civil penalty