CPL Renewal Digital Document

FEDERAL LAWS

GUIDE TO THE INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS page 1 of 4

I NTRODUCTION The following is a citizen’s guide to legal transportation of personally-owned firearms for hunting, competitive shooting, vacationing, and changing residence between states. Federal law does not restrict individuals (except convicted felons, persons under indictment for felo- nies, mental defectives or incompetents, illegal users of controlled drugs, illegal aliens, veterans dishonorably discharged, those who have renounced their U.S. Citizenship, fugitives from, justice, and persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders) from transporting firearms across state lines. Thus there is no federal interstate transportation permit for firearms. Caution Many states have laws governing the transportation of firearms. Also, many cities and localities have ordinances restricting their transportation. Travelers must be aware of these laws and comply with the legal requirements in each jurisdiction. There is no uniform state transporta- tion procedure for firearms. FEDERAL LAW ON TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS A provision of federal law serves as a defense to state or local laws which would prohibit the passage of persons with firearms in interstate travel. Notwithstanding any state or local law, a person shall be entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearms if the firearm is unloaded and in the trunk. In vehicles without a trunk; the unloaded firearm shall be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or con- sole. If necessary stops, e.g., gasoline and rest, seem permissible. CARRYING ON OR ABOUT THE PERSON It must be stressed that as soon as any firearm handgun, rifle, or shotgun is carried on or about the person, or placed in a vehicle where it is readily accessible , state and local firearms laws dealing with carrying come into play. If you seek to transport firearms in such a manner, it is advisable that you determine what the law is by contacting the Attorney Generals office in each state through which you may travel or by reviewing an (1) The appropriate link on our web site (2) The states web site (3 ) NRA State Firearms Law Digest. You should determine whether a permit is needed and how to obtain one if available. While many states require a permit for this type of carrying, some will not issue such permits to nonresidents, and others prohibit such carrying altogether. (Check for reciprocity with the state of Michigan). TRANSPORTATION BY MOTOR VEHICLE In most states, personally-owned firearms may be transported legally if they are unloaded, cased, and locked in the automobile trunk. As an additional precaution, firearms may be disassembled and sepa- rated from the ammunition. The exceptions to this rule deal mainly with interstate transportation of handguns. The myriad and conflicting legal requirements for firearm transportation through the states make caution the key factor for travelers. If You travel with a trailer or camper that is hauled by an automobile, it is advisable to transport the firearms unloaded, cased and locked in the automobile trunk. If your vehicle is of the type in which

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