5 Things You Should Consider For Interstate Transportation of Firearms
Many concealed carriers are faced with legal troubles when crossing state lines with their firearms. When you plan to transport firearms interstate, you should consider these things so that you may avoid getting yourself into trouble.
1. Concealed Carry Reciprocity For Your State
Before leaving your state, you have to check first whether the state you are planning to go to recognizes the carry permit released by your state. Sad to say, no one state has reciprocity with all the fifty States and the District of Columbia. And because of this, it is necessary for you to research and know what other states will accept your concealed carry permit.
There are a few states that do not have reciprocity, and these states only recognize the carry permits they release.
California
Hawaii
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
If you have a concealed carry permit issued by your state but do not have a resident carry permit issued by any of the states above, then you cannot transport your firearms.
Basic Rule: You should also check the other states that you would cross into, not just your destination. In case a certain state does not honor your carry permit, check the second rule.
2. Storage of Firearms in Vehicles
If you are bringing a firearm in your vehicle and will be crossing state lines, you should bring a case with a lock where you could store the firearm. A case can be used when securing your handgun when not in use, and for some states, a case is required so that you can stay away from trouble with law enforcement.
Good Rule To Follow: If you cross into a state that does not honor your CCW permit, place your unloaded handgun in a locked container (with the ammunition separate from the gun) and keep it in the vehicle’s trunk.
3. The Duty To Inform The Law Enforcement Officer
Some states require concealed carriers to present their carry permits when demanded by law enforcement officers. But then, there are some states that require carriers to immediately inform police officers you come in contact with during something like a routine traffic stop. Such states include the following:
Alaska
Michigan
Nebraska
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Texas
If you are crossing a state that requires you to do such, then you will need to inform the police officer before he asks you.
Basic Rule: When approached by the law enforcement officer, present your concealed carry license with your driver’s license and registration.
4. Restriction on Higher Capacity Magazines
There are also some states that have restrictions on the capacity of magazines for handguns. If you are crossing into a state that does not allow magazines the that can hold more than 10 rounds, then don’t bring a magazine that can hold such. If you disobey the rule, law enforcement officers will have to confiscate your handgun.
Basic Rule: Check the laws of the state you are traveling into prior to your trip.
5. Firearms on Check-In Baggage
If you travel on an airplane most of the time, then you should have your firearm unloaded and locked in a container. This can be kept inside the check-in baggage. Transportation of the firearm is allowed, but carrying it inside the carry-on bag is not allowed. The ammunition must be placed inside the original box.
Basic Rule: When you are checking in your baggage, make sure that you inform the clerk so that he or she can help you to proceed with the process. You should also know the rules for the airline that you will use, as they vary for different airlines.
The five tips given above can help you travel with less hassle across state lines while carrying your firearm. Your responsibility is to learn the laws of the state you are crossing into so that you can avoid legal troubles.
