Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    A buddy of mine was hunting yesterday with 2 of his sons. Three game commission officers pulled up behind them shortly after they got out of their suburban. They checked their rifles and said the youngest boy's rifle had to be loaded in the vehicle because they said he didn't load it after he got out.

    They told my buddy "this is serious" and asked if they should write it up under him or his son. They took his info and left. Never had anything signed. They also said they weren't in their normal jurisdiction and were out there helping the locals.

    My buddy said his son loaded the rifle when he got out but was leaning/reaching into the car to get gloves. He thinks the game comms pulled up then and thought he was just getting out.

    Anyways, what is the penalty for this? Just a fine? Hunting license pulled? Possible criminal charges?
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
    (Franklin County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    It's a summary offense. I believe it's a max fine of $300.00 OR up to 90 days incarceration (same potential penalties as any other SO).
    Last edited by gnbrotz; November 24th, 2013 at 06:15 PM.
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    Washington, Pennsylvania
    (Washington County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by JrFreak View Post
    A buddy of mine was hunting yesterday with 2 of his sons. Three game commission officers pulled up behind them shortly after they got out of their suburban. They checked their rifles and said the youngest boy's rifle had to be loaded in the vehicle because they said he didn't load it after he got out.

    They told my buddy "this is serious" and asked if they should write it up under him or his son. They took his info and left. Never had anything signed. They also said they weren't in their normal jurisdiction and were out there helping the locals.

    My buddy said his son loaded the rifle when he got out but was leaning/reaching into the car to get gloves. He thinks the game comms pulled up then and thought he was just getting out.

    Anyways, what is the penalty for this? Just a fine? Hunting license pulled? Possible criminal charges?

    Summary violation, roughly 100.00 for not in motion and $200.00 for vehicle in motion. Plus court cost. No license revocation no criminal charges.
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  4. #4
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    Someone in, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Your buddy should take responsibility for the loaded rifle. We all say, "well the parents shouldn't trained the children better" when a kid finds a firearm in the house which ends up in someone getting shot.

    Your buddy needs to be a parent, the kid not checking the chamber wasn't the kid's fault. As parents, there's a responsibility to ensure dangerous weapons are loaded/unloaded/pointed in a safe direction, etc.

    summary offense doesn't equate to grounds on a revocation of a LTCF unless done multiple times where the sheriff may feel an applicant may be a risk to the public.
    Being gay isn't a choice, being a bigot is

  5. #5
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    Sterling, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Your buddy with three kids to keep an eye on has to set it up military style. Formation and then give each kid commands. Sucks to be fined this time of year but it would suck more if something happened to one of his kids. If I'm not mistaken even if the gun was loaded and leaning against the car or truck they bag and tag ya.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania
    (Indiana County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    34 Pa CS § 2503. Loaded firearms in vehicles. (a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to have a firearm of any kind in or on or against any conveyance propelled by mechanical power or its attachments at any time whether or not the vehicle or its attachment is in motion unless the firearm is unloaded. The exceptions in this subsection do not apply when attempting to locate game or wildlife with an artificial light or when exercising any privileges granted by this title which may be exercised only when not in the possession of a firearm.
    If the rifle was loaded and the kid leaned it up against the car, he was wrong. Didn't have to be in the vehicle, on the vehicle was still in violation.

  7. #7
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    Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
    (Delaware County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Statkowski View Post
    If the rifle was loaded and the kid leaned it up against the car, he was wrong. Didn't have to be in the vehicle, on the vehicle was still in violation.
    That is completely absurd. Land of the free my ass.

  8. #8
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    Near Altoona, Pennsylvania
    (Blair County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by GeoffLyons View Post
    Your buddy should take responsibility for the loaded rifle. We all say, "well the parents shouldn't trained the children better" when a kid finds a firearm in the house which ends up in someone getting shot.

    Your buddy needs to be a parent, the kid not checking the chamber wasn't the kid's fault. As parents, there's a responsibility to ensure dangerous weapons are loaded/unloaded/pointed in a safe direction, etc.

    summary offense doesn't equate to grounds on a revocation of a LTCF unless done multiple times where the sheriff may feel an applicant may be a risk to the public.
    I didn't ask for parenting advice. As I stated, the rifle was loaded outside the SUV and as his child leaned back into the SUV to get out gear (with the rifle on his back) as comms pulled up. They didn't know he had already been out of the SUV and loaded his rifle.

    Thanks to those who gave what I was looking for.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2006
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    Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
    (Luzerne County)
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    They made the law to prevent a loaded firearm from sliding off the vehicle and discharging, possibly hitting someone.

    Of course, there is no law against leaning a loaded rifle against a tree or fence and having the same thing happen.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Penalty for loaded rifle in vehicle while hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Helter View Post
    That is completely absurd. . . .
    Not really. It's revenue enhancement, pure and simple.

    Noah
    Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times.

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