Regardless if you’re running errands or taking a trip out of state, it’s only natural to want to take your gun with you. However, you must realize that certain rules and laws must be obeyed when transporting firearms. Whether flying or driving, here are some tips you should know about traveling with a firearm safely and legally. 

Tips for Safely and Legally Traveling with a Firearm

Is Your Permit Valid In the States Along Your Route?

One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling with your firearm is that your permit will be recognized and honored in every state. Every state has different laws and regulations you are expected to follow. Failure to do so can land you in some serious trouble.

There are states that will honor your permit and some that will not. Similarly, there are states that will honor your permit but have certain restrictions you must follow. To learn more about different gun laws in states you may visit, I recommend looking at USConcealedCarry.com.

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

The Federal Firearm Owners’ Protection Act is an act that allows an individual to legally transport their firearms in a vehicle, given they follow three conditions that are stated in the “Safe Passage” provision.

The first requirement is that the firearm in the vehicle is stored properly. This means that your firearm is unloaded and kept in an inaccessible area in your vehicle. This can be either your trunk or another area that is out of reach. It is important you do not store your firearm in the glove box or center console. 

The second requirement is that your trip must begin and end in states where firearm possession is legal. Allow me to give you an example. Let’s say you take a trip from Tennessee, where permitless concealed carry is legal, all the way to South Dakota. This would meet this requirement because South Dakota also allows permitless carry.

However, if you are taking a trip from Tennessee to New Jersey, you would not be protected under the Safe Passage provision. This is because New Jersey requires a state issued license in order to own a firearm.  

Lastly, the third requirement is that you are actually traveling. To meet this condition, it is recommended that you travel through non-friendly firearm zones as quickly as possible.

However, just because you are following all three Safe Passage requirements does not mean you are automatically protected from arrest and prosecution. If you are pulled over in a state that does not recognize your permit, you can still be arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm. But you will be able to use the Safe Passage provision as a defense in court.

Flying With a Firearm

For those who want to travel with their firearm on a plane, it’s important you follow three simple steps.

First, your firearm must be transported in your checked baggage and declared to the airline. Prior to traveling, it is a smart idea to ask the airline about any limitations and fees that may apply.

Second, your firearm must be in a hardcover, lockable case and must be locked.

Lastly, your firearm must be unloaded. Ammunition must be transported in your checked baggage and can be kept in the same hard-sided container, either in a magazine or a box.

For more information, I recommend looking at the various guidelines and regulations at TSA.gov.

The Best Method

At the end of the day, the best way to travel safely and legally with your firearm is to educate yourself on the different laws and regulations of the states you will visit. To make it easier on your end, I recommend you plan your route ahead of time. Utilize tools like Google to help you better understand the do’s and don’ts of traveling with your firearm.

No matter how you decide to travel, rest assured that you can bring your firearm along for the ride. Just do so in a way that is safe, legal, and demonstrates that you are a responsible firearm owner.