GA, AL & MS Transport Rules

[08Ultra]

I will be traveling through several SE states this summer and all but these three have a reciprocity agreement with my state (VA) for concealed carry. I've tried to research these 3 (other than calling them) to determine if I will be able to transport my handgun through them (not concealed) without breaking a law. Looks like I can transport through GA if it is unloaded and locked somewhere without easy access. I found one link for a Sheriff in AL that said about the same thing, but didn't say it was statewide policy. MS appears to say about the same thing. None of the sites I checked really specified an answer that is very clear, and I thought some of you in these 3 states could give me some answers.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[08Ultra]

I will be traveling through several SE states this summer and all but these three have a reciprocity agreement with my state (VA) for concealed carry. I've tried to research these 3 (other than calling them) to determine if I will be able to transport my handgun through them (not concealed) without breaking a law. Looks like I can transport through GA if it is unloaded and locked somewhere without easy access. I found one link for a Sheriff in AL that said about the same thing, but didn't say it was statewide policy. MS appears to say about the same thing. None of the sites I checked really specified an answer that is very clear, and I thought some of you in these 3 states could give me some answers.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Doug M.]

Get a Florida license. My recollection is that they are good in those three states.

 

[safearm]

Mississippi has a unique law that states that a person, 18 years old or older, and who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm (convicted felon, mentally incompetent, etc.) may carry a loaded firearm, concealed in whole or in part, in his (her) motor vehicle as if it were his (her) home or business. It does not state that the person must be a resident of the state, however, there is no provision for carry AFTER you leave the motor vehicle, such as walking into a gas station. Mississippi does have a Firearms Permit (CCW) that has reciprocity with a number of states; check http://www.handgunlaw.us/ for the most current info.

 

[bk43]

Welcome to the forum. There are two things going on here. If you are talking transport that is covered by federal law and is the same everywhere. If you are talking carry, or carrying in your vehicle with the gun ready to rock and roll, each state is different and you must conform to their law regardless of where your permit was issued.

Bob

 

[clint_lnl]

I found this web site very helpful with info.

state rules

 

[08Ultra]

Thanks for all the helpful comments. bk43, guess I need to clarify it some. I've already determined that I can't carry concealed in these states, so I just want to transport my handgun (unloaded, sorry to say) through them and wondered if there is any local state laws that prevent me from doing this. Also, Doug M., thanks for that info but right now it's too late for me to apply and get the permit since I'll be leaving soon. Clint_InI, that's a great site. Thanks to all.

 

[clint_lnl]

one more place to check and I think this is what you are looking for.

car carry

 

[Shorty4T]

Hi 08Ultra,
Here is a link that states the GA law in plan English.

http://www.georgiapacking.org/law.php

In GA you don't have to have a GFL in order to carry a pistol in your car. This is treated just like you are on your own property or business. You just cannot carry it on your person while out of the vehicle.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Sam

 

[creedekid]

I concur with Shorty4T. In GA, you can carry it in your car loaded and ready.

 

[bk43]

To transport you don't need to worry about state or local laws, just federal. Here's the law:

Notwithstanding any state or local law, a person shall be entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he may lawfully possess it to any other place where he may lawfully possess such firearm 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.

There was a case in NJ recently where the State tried to say it's stricter laws applied to transport. The guy fought it and got off.

FL is one of the states, like apparently GA, that is even more permissive that federal law. In FL you can carry a loaded firearm in the passenger compartment if it is "securely encased". It does not need to be locked up and the center cosole or glove box is OK. In fact, a snapped holster suffices. No permit is needed but it can't be on your body and you must leave it in the vehicle when stopping.

Bob