Need guidance on travelling with a firearm

nipster · #1 10-08-2012, 11:05 PM

Some background:
1. I am a concealed weapons permit in my state (FLA)
2. My state's CWP is honored through reciprocity in the following states I will be traveling through:
-GA
-SC
-NC
-TN
-VA
-WV
-KY
3. My state's CWP is NOT honored through reciprocity in the following states I will be traveling through:
-MD
4. I will be carrying a single handgun, preferably loaded in a gun rug under the seat of my truck

Some questions:
- given the above circumstances, will I run into any issues (such as, must be unloaded in some states, container/holster requirements?)
- I know some states require you to notify a LEO if pulled over, is there a good website or list where such info is readily available?

Any other info I should know before starting out?

This is not my first time doing this, but really the first time I have sat down and looked at the legality of it. I may have made some (bad) assumptions on my legal rights in some states in the past.

snubbyfan · #2 10-08-2012, 11:11 PM

I've got that same problem traveling through MD. I gotta unload and lock up my snubby.
Handgunlaw.us

REM 3200 · #3 10-08-2012, 11:11 PM

Yes, there is a good website. Try here: Handgunlaw.us

Edit - You beat me to it. ;>)

nipster · #4 10-08-2012, 11:16 PM

Ok, thanks, I looked at this website.

One that sticks out like a sore thumb is North Carolina:

Quote:

Given this general prohibition of carrying concealed weapons, individuals must be ever vigilant to ensure that their particular situation cannot be construed as concealing a weapon either on or about them without being properly authorized to do so with a valid North Carolina concealed handgun permit. Therefore, the person's accessibility to the weapon is of prime importance. It is for these reasons, that when transporting a weapon in a vehicle, even greater care must be exercised to ensure that the weapon is not concealed and within the ready access to an occupant of the vehicle. North Carolina law does not specifically address how to transport a weapon in an automobile. Therefore, the central question becomes: when is the weapon concealed and readily accessible to an occupant of the automobile? Obviously, a weapon would be concealed and readily accessible, and therefore in violation of our law, if it were placed in such areas of a vehicle as, under the seat of the automobile; in a bag in the back seat; in an unlocked glove compartment; or in some other manner is covered or hidden within the easy reach of an occupant of the vehicle. A previous opinion from this office was that a weapon would not be concealed if it were placed in a locked glove compartment, unless the key to the glove compartment was in the lock and the person was in close proximity and had ready access to it. A concern with this mode of transportation however is that it is quite susceptible to different interpretations, based on the various factors involved. Therefore, this may not be the most legally defensible method of transporting a weapon, and is discouraged.
While a weapon carried openly in an automobile would not be concealed, there are other problems attendant to this method of carrying a weapon. The principal drawback, of course, is in the event of a person being stopped by a law enforcement official, the officer may not readily know that person's purpose and intent for carrying a weapon. As such, it is imperative that a person immediately notify an officer of the presence of any weapon in the automobile, for the officer's and the vehicle's occupants' safety. Another obvious drawback is that a valuable weapon may be in plain view for potential thieves to see. The prohibition to carrying concealed weapons applies not only to handguns and other weapons commonly thought of as being easily hidden, but also to "long guns" as well. Therefore, shotguns and rifles concealed behind the seat of pickup trucks, and elsewhere in other vehicles, could similarly violate our law.
As to those vehicles with no easily discernible trunk area, for example vans, the question turns on a factual determination of when the weapon is within ready and easy access to an occupant of the vehicle. If the weapon is concealed near, in close proximity to, or within the convenient control and access of an occupant, which would allow him to use the weapon quickly, then a fair probability exists that the occupant is in violation of the law. Therefore, care must be exercised by any occupant of a vehicle to ensure that the weapons are securely locked away in as remote an area as possible in relation to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is important to emphasize that these prohibitions apply to passengers, as well as the driver of a vehicle.

Seems to indicate you cant have a weapon concealed in a vehicle with or without a permit or a permit from a state they have reciprocity with.

Seems you have to have a law degree to figure this stuff out

cracker57 · #5 10-09-2012, 08:51 AM

before leaving contact the justice department in all the states you will be traveling thru. If you have a specific question try to email it and when they answer your email print it, and carry it with you. pita I know but CYA. good luck and stay safe and legal my friend.

JJEH · #6 10-09-2012, 08:53 AM

We bought this book for that purpose;

http://www.nrastore.com/nrastore/Pro...=PB+01566&ct=e

But sure, a website is more accurate after a while...

redlevel · #7 10-11-2012, 10:24 AM

Thank God I rarely have to leave the relatively free state of Georgia. When I do cross a border, it is usually into Alabama or Florida, both of which have reciprocity with Georgia. I refuse to go into S. Carolina when we vacation in Savannah because they don't honor the GA permit. I seldom have occasion to go into NCarolina, and will, after reading the above mumbo-jumbo, find even fewer reasons. Frankly, I hate to leave the farm to go to town for groceries.

StatesRightist · #8 10-11-2012, 10:59 AM

You are fine in NC with a CCW, on you or concealed in a vehicle. However, you must inform any LEO you have a weapon located wherever it is if stopped. The paragraph you cite is for non CCW's.

If you get caught with a concealed weapon in MD, you are in serious trouble, in Baltimore, you may go to jail. Just an FYI.

hobby-gunsmith · #9 10-11-2012, 11:13 AM

Persons without Maryland permits may not carry a handgun on foot or in a vehicle in a loaded or readily accessible manner. But he may transport an unloaded handgun in a secure case if he is traveling to a recognized shootingf competion, bonafide gun show, hunting excercise, or some other gun-related event. Magazines may remain loaded while in a vehicle as long as they are not attached to, or inserted into any handgun. Travelers passing through the state may transport inaccessible handguns even if they are not traveling to one of these events. The weapons must be unloaded, cased and, either stowed in the trunk, or locked in a case if the vehicle has no trunk. Hope this helps passing through Maryland.

Nick

Old cop · #10 10-11-2012, 02:57 PM

I'd be careful in Maryland, they're VERY serious about their CCW law there.

redlevel · #11 10-11-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StatesRightist

If you get caught with a concealed weapon in MD, you are in serious trouble, in Baltimore, you may go to jail. Just an FYI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old cop

I'd be careful in Maryland, they're VERY serious about their CCW law there.

I ain't goin'.

bricker · #12 10-11-2012, 05:29 PM

OK, mark Maryland as a place not to visit. I reckon if you don't do anything to get pulled over, you probably won't have any worries.

scooter123 · #13 10-11-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipster

Ok, thanks, I looked at this website.

One that sticks out like a sore thumb is North Carolina:

Seems to indicate you cant have a weapon concealed in a vehicle with or without a permit or a permit from a state they have reciprocity with.

Seems you have to have a law degree to figure this stuff out

Nipster, you need to go back are re-read that posting concerning transport in NC. Just before the page break there was a headline IN BOLD that identified that bit you quoted as being in reference to transport by persons LACKING a recognized Concealed Carry Permit. What I am telling you is that with your Florida permit you can have your pistol on your hip and fully loaded as long as you are a Florida Resident.

Where I believe that you have to be most vigilant and careful is in Maryland. In that state you'll have to have your gun unloaded and locked up tight in a trunk or firearms case that is out of reach of any occupant. In addition I believe that you will also have to have EVERY single magazine unloaded with the ammunition stored the the manufacturers packaging. While I am not certain of it, I have a vague memory that, like Ohio, Maryland considers a loaded magazine the same as a loaded firearm. Anytime you are passing through a state that is distinctly anti gun it's best to take extra measures that help insure that you'll be seen as being in full compliance with the law. Personally, I would have a second lock box for my ammunition just to insure that some DA couldn't claim that it was "ready at hand".

Road Rat · #14 10-11-2012, 10:38 PM

Only in America can the legal minds screw up a simple constitutional amendment!!!!!!!

It shouldn't be brain surgery.............

GattlinGun · #15 10-11-2012, 11:30 PM

MD and IL must be related!

Doug M. · #16 10-13-2012, 04:45 PM

Do not carry the gun anywhere but concealed on your person. For MD, you probably need to put it in a locked container and put that in your locked luggage. Never EVER consent to a search of any kind, of course, and unless required by the law of the state in which you are contacted by LE, don't mention having a gun at all unless you have to do something that will otherwise make the cop nervous.

Don't get stopped. It really helps life suck a lot less.

C.S.63 · #17 10-13-2012, 05:53 PM

In NC you must notify LEO weather asked or not!