Every state, and the federal government, has its own laws about transporting weapons. So if you legally own a gun, whether or not you can carry it in your car depends on the law of your state—and any state or federal property you may drive through.
State Rules
You may be able to carry a legal firearm in your car if you meet certain restrictions, which vary widely from state to state. Rules in some states are different for handguns and for guns used for hunting game, for example. Some states allow loaded weapons; some do not. Some require a concealed weapons permit to transport a handgun in a vehicle, because a weapon can be concealed in a car just as it can be concealed on your person.
When you travel, be aware that the laws may change when you enter:
- State parks
- National parks
- National forests
- Native American land
Crossing State Lines
Federal law provides that you can transport a firearm from one place where you can legally carry it to another if it’s unloaded and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment. If there’s no compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. (U.S. Code title 18, ch. 44, section 926A.)
Best Practices
Generally, the best practice, if you must transport a firearm in a car, is to carry it:
- Unloaded
- In a locked case or other container
- In the trunk, not in the glove compartment or anywhere else it is accessible to the driver or passengers
- Away from ammunition, which should be in a separate locked container
Always carried your firearm permit or license with you. If you’re stopped for a traffic violation, always inform the officer that you have a firearm in the vehicle. This is required by some state laws, but obviously it’s always the smart thing to do; if your car is searched, you don’t want a police officer to be surprised by finding a gun.
Know the Law
Some states have very detailed rules on carrying weapons. If you're going to carry a weapon in your car, look up your state's laws yourself or talk to someone in local law enforcement or at your state's firearm licensing agency who is knowledgeable about current law.
