Posted: 12/19/2008 5:12:58 PM EDT
| I've been reading these forums for a while now and I am thankful to everyone for all of the posts and help. This is actually my first post, and I have a couple of questions about transporting a handgun across state lines. I'm in the Navy and I live in Norfolk, Va. I'm leaving tomorrow to head home (Winston-Salem) for Christmas. I recently purchased a Glock 33 and I want to take it with me to shoot while at home, but I couldn't find any information about taking a pistol across state lines. Are there any laws about this or is it OK? Also, I drive a Jeep and what would be the best place to keep the gun in case I were to get pulled over, or go through a traffic check (I don't want to get arrested for illegally concealing a weapon). I'm not taking any ammo or anything with me, so would the gun in it's locked case laying in plain view in the passenger or back seat be ok, or should it be placed in the cargo area? Thanks in advance. |
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Welcome!
Nothing wrong with crossing state lines, as long as you comply with the laws of the state you are in. Per NC law, you will need to keep it unloaded, cased, and not "readily accessible". This is generally interpreted to mean in the trunk, or the closest thing to it. I would put it as far out of your reach as possible, and in a locked container if you can. Sounds ridiculous, but that's how vague NC law is on the subject. there is some debate about locked glove compartments being acceptable, but even that's a "Gray area" here. Be safe and put it in the back of your Jeep. Probably wouldn't hurt to lock the case too. |
| Thanks, well the Glock case doesn't have a place for a lock to be placed on it, but the gun came with the lock that runs from the magazine port to the ejection port, so if I have the lock on that and then in the case I should be good. More than likely I won't even have to worry about it, but better safe than sorry. |
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Quoted:
Thanks, well the Glock case doesn't have a place for a lock to be placed on it, but the gun came with the lock that runs from the magazine port to the ejection port, so if I have the lock on that and then in the case I should be good. That would be good. But remember, "not readily accessible." From what I've gathered, that phrase is generally interpreted as being farther than you can reach or everything locked up, and then locked inside a container. That's why the trunk is usually the best place (it's out of reach and can be locked.) But in a Jeep, I would recommend putting everything in the cargo area. Hope your trip through NC goes well! |
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Quoted:
Welcome! Nothing wrong with crossing state lines, as long as you comply with the laws of the state you are in. Per NC law, you will need to keep it unloaded, cased, and not "readily accessible". This is generally interpreted to mean in the trunk, or the closest thing to it. I would put it as far out of your reach as possible, and in a locked container if you can. Sounds ridiculous, but that's how vague NC law is on the subject. there is some debate about locked glove compartments being acceptable, but even that's a "Gray area" here. Be safe and put it in the back of your Jeep. Probably wouldn't hurt to lock the case too. I travel quite frequently with a 1911 cocked and locked on the seat next to me. Have been through a few roadblocks before, and the troopers never had a problem with it. If it is not in plain view, and you dont have a ccw. Then I believe that is where the not readily accesible comes into play. And as far as keeping it in the glovebox, well... Just make sure you dont keep your vehicle registration in there also 
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My understanding of NC law states that the pistol must either be in plain view i.e. sitting right next to you on the passenger seat, or in the trunk.
You can have it loaded, one in the chamber, cocked & locker or whatever, they just have to be able to see it. If you get pulled over just make sure you declare it to the officer and you will have no problems. It's SC where you have to keep it in the glove compartment & out of sight. |
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I may be incorrect in my statement, but I'm sure about the "readily accessible" part for storage. I'll check the book and post back.
ETA: This is what I was referring to, and it's Federal code, not State. ยง 178.38 Transportation of firearms. Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. |