Michael Rutan

Federal Guide to The Interstate Transportation of Firearms

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 felonies, 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 transportation procedure for 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. Not with standing 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 toany 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 console. If necessary, stops, e.g., gasoline and rest, seem permissible. A word of caution, local laws will supersede federal law. 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 or state police website in each state through which you may travel. Youshould determine whether a permit is needed and how to obtain one if available. While many states require a permit for this type of carrying, somewill not issue such permits to nonresidents, and others prohibit such carrying altogether. CARRYING ON OR ABOUT THE PERSON FEDERAL LAW ON TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS