One question that inevitably gets asked by every person who is new to firearms is, “Can I carry my gun in my car?” However, a lot of the time they mean, “Can I transport my gun in my car?”
If you’ve just purchased your firearm and do not have a concealed carry permit or live in a Constitutional Carry state, you CAN transport your firearm in your car, IF you do it correctly.
Every state has different carry laws, but transporting your firearm doesn’t mean you’re necessarily “carrying” it, you’re transporting it.
If you’re taking your firearm across state lines, be sure to know the laws of the states you’re traveling through and the laws around traveling through those states with your firearms.
Unloaded, and in a lockable case. Unloaded meaning no ammunition physically in the firearm. A loaded mag/speed loader right next to it is legal. A lockable case meaning anything from a center console, to a gun case, to a zippered shaving bag.
In Illinois there are three statutory codes that regulate the possession and transportation of firearms:
the Criminal Code
the Wildlife Code
the Firearm Owner’s Identification Act.
All these above state this:
Persons who have been issued a valid FOID card may transport a firearm anywhere in their vehicle or on their person as long as the firearm is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. Firearms cannot be immediately accessible or has to be broken down into a non-functioning state.
This is for the state of VA. where I reside. CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Virginia? Yes, with a permit. Handguns may be transported in a vehicle without a permit if secured in a container or compartment including a console, glove compartment or any other area of the vehicle or vessel that possesses the ability to be closed.
Arizona is now a Constitutional Carry State so people are good to go here. Though if I am not carrying my firearm for whatever reason I usually keep it in a locked case secured by a cable to the vehicle. Don’t want to make it easy for a smash and grab criminal to get their hands on a firearm.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Michigan?
Yes, handguns only may be carried with a valid concealed pistol license. Without a license, handguns must be unloaded and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms either in the trunk of the vehicle or for vehicles without a trunk, not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle.
Mississippi considers your automobile an extension of your home. We are a constitutional carry state anyway but there is absolutely no restrictions on where or how you can carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in your vehicle. On your person it has to be in a holster or sheath (no “Mexican carry” like tucked into your belt or pants) but this only applies if you are asked to step out of your vehicle.