FAQ: Interstate Transportation of Firearms

[PoconoJo]

Hopefully this wasn't already posted...I use Pack-N-Go to help plan trips. You input the state(s) in which you are licensed, where you're starting, where you're ending and it spits out the travel plan for the states you will be traveling through (assuming your are driving directly to the destination state)

http://apps.carryconcealed.net/packngo/index.php

Disclaimer: Do not rely solely on this. Do as much research as you can and take every possible precaution when traveling with firearms.

[voola]

B"H

Quick "real" question. What about transporting just the barrel, or just the bottom receiver of a pistol between states which dont like each other gun politics wise? Is that illegal also? could you get into trouble for possesing a barrel of a taurus 24/7 in lets say california??

[V65Magnafan]

I'm not a lawyer, so do not take this advice as accurate. I assume you are talking about NY or NJ. In general, the receiver or frame is considered a firearm, even if it has no barrel or slide. The slide or barrel or empty mag are normally good to go.

However, you will have to check the state laws and precedents. You might consider asking on the New York or NJ forums.

[Greywolf]

Here's the relevant law:

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.


...

BTW, if you use combination trigger locks, don't forget to flip the numbers. You don't want your combination showing. Then, they aren't locked.

Two points:

1) As quoted above, the FOPA specifically says the firearms or ammunition must either be in the trunk, or "in a locked container." A trigger lock or cable lock is not a "container" and does not comply with the law. Not a problem in a car with a trunk, but this point is significant if you're driving a station wagon or SUV.

2) Earlier in this thread it was asked how "or" became "and" with respect to locking the guns "or" ammunition in a locked container. Simple answer: The Federal FOPA says "or." New Jersey state law reproduces the exact language of the FOPA almost perfectly -- except that New Jersey state law requires that if the vehicle doesn't have a trunk the firearms "AND" ammunition must be in separate locked containers. This will be the law that NJ troopers are familiar with. Yes, technically the Federal version supersedes, but I don't wish to risk a night in the lockup over a change of one word in the law. When traversing New Jersey (I drive an SUV), I lock the guns in their containers, and I carry any ammunition in a separate aluminum suitcase that has an external padlock. It's overkill for the Federal law but it'll keep the NJ state police happy.

I haven't checked recently, but NJ used to publish their version of the law right on the NJ State Police web site. And it still is: http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/about/fire_trans.html

[Pugster]

I now live in Virginia. Lived in PA for many years. (66) PA & VA reciprocate as to carry permits. To travel back to PA I must travel through MD and DEL.

I'm dead set against any form of gun control and am doing all I can with the NRA to fight it. Just sent them a nice donation.

Pug

[2A-Defender]

Hi was just wondering if it is legal with a permit to cc when driving a vehicle registered in another state...For example if I drive my brothers car here in Pa. who has New Jersey Plates is That allowed?

[knight0334]

It doesn't matter where the vehicle is registered to.

The only thing that matters is the legal possession.

So long as carrying is legal, like with a LTCF while in PA, your car could be registered to the polar region of Mars.

[2A-Defender]

Good to know .Thanks for the quick response

[MikeyB]

All this is null if you travel to states that have reciprocity with PA i drive an 18 wheeler never had a problem with carrying iwb but if you travel into a state that doesn't have reciprocity with PA then all this comes into play

[RusskyDudesky]

If you need to transport a firearm, especially a handgun, I suggest you avoid driving through NY at all costs, unless you hold a valid NYS Pistol Permit. Sadly, the idiot and elitist state I live in, NY, does not honor or recognize pistol permits from any of the other states, because somehow our wonderful legislators in Albany in all their pompous glory and wisdom think that their poo don't stink when it comes to issuing pistol permits, as if other states give out pistol permits like Halloween candy and don't do their due diligence to prevent criminals from getting guns, not that it ever stopped criminals from buying guns on the street from the local drug dealer or gangbanger. NYC in relation to NYS is a foreign country in itself and if an out of stater is caught to be in possession of a pistol there, even if it's unloaded, he/she will quickly be arrested and prosecuted by the sue happy hoplophobic liberal D.A. and brought up on felony weapons possession charges. Earlier this year, a few out of state tourists visiting from states like KY and TN made the ultimate f**k-up by visiting the Empire State Building and asking the security on staff where they can check their concealed pistols (insert face to palm smack here). They quickly found themselves being arrested by the NYC Gestapo Police Department and brought up on charges of felony weapons possession in the socialist people's republic of NYC.