Can I Carry a Handgun in My Car in Wisconsin?
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Direct Answer:
Yes, you can carry a handgun in your car in Wisconsin, but there are certain requirements and restrictions to be aware of.
Wisconsin is a permitless carry state, which means that individuals who are at least 18 years old (or 21 years old to purchase a handgun) and have not been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by more than one year in prison can carry a handgun in their car, as long as it is unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster. However, there are certain exceptions and additional requirements to be aware of.
Permit Requirements:
While Wisconsin is a permitless carry state, there are still certain situations where a permit is required. For example:
- Carrying a handgun in a place where it is illegal for minors to be present: If you plan to carry a handgun in a location where it is illegal for minors to be present, such as a school, you will need to have a permit.
- Carrying a handgun for a specific purpose: If you plan to carry a handgun for a specific purpose, such as for business or for self-defense in a specific location, you may need to have a permit.
Restrictions on Where You Can Carry:
While you can carry a handgun in your car in Wisconsin, there are certain places where it is illegal to carry a handgun. These include:
• Schools: As mentioned earlier, it is illegal to carry a handgun in a school, including public and private schools, unless you have a permit.
• Government buildings: It is illegal to carry a handgun in any government building, including city halls, courthouses, and state capitols.
• Places where alcohol is served: While you can carry a handgun in a restaurant or bar, it is illegal to carry a handgun in places where alcohol is served if you are intoxicated.
• Prisons and other correctional facilities: It is illegal to carry a handgun in any prison, jail, or other correctional facility.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to the permit requirements and restrictions on where you can carry, there are certain other requirements you must follow. These include:
• Unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster: Your handgun must be unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster to be carried in your car.
• Secure and out of sight: Your handgun must be securely stored and out of sight in your car to avoid accidents or unauthorized access.
• Compliance with other laws: You must comply with all other applicable laws, including laws regarding carrying a handgun in your car, such as laws related to traffic safety and emergency vehicle access.
Penalties for Violating the Law:
If you are found to be in violation of the law regarding carrying a handgun in your car in Wisconsin, you can face serious penalties, including:
• Misdemeanor charges: Depending on the circumstances, you can face misdemeanor charges for carrying a handgun in violation of the law.
• Fines: You can face fines ranging from $100 to $500 for carrying a handgun in violation of the law.
• Imprisonment: In some cases, you can face up to 9 months of imprisonment for carrying a handgun in violation of the law.
Concealed Carry:
Wisconsin allows concealed carry, but you must meet certain requirements to carry a handgun concealed. To carry a handgun concealed, you must:
• Be at least 21 years old: You must be at least 21 years old to carry a handgun concealed.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by more than one year in prison: You must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by more than one year in prison to carry a handgun concealed.
• Not have a domestic abuse restraining order against you: You must not have a domestic abuse restraining order against you to carry a handgun concealed.
• Complete a firearms safety training course: You must complete a firearms safety training course to carry a handgun concealed.
• Obtain a permit: You must obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to carry a handgun concealed.
Table: Wisconsin Handgun Laws:
| Law | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Permitless carry | You can carry a handgun in your car if you are at least 18 years old (or 21 years old to purchase a handgun) and have not been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. | None |
| Restrictions on where you can carry | You cannot carry a handgun in schools, government buildings, places where alcohol is served, or prisons and other correctional facilities. | Varies |
| Unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster | Your handgun must be unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster to be carried in your car. | None |
| Secure and out of sight | Your handgun must be securely stored and out of sight in your car to avoid accidents or unauthorized access. | None |
| Compliance with other laws | You must comply with all other applicable laws, including laws regarding carrying a handgun in your car, such as laws related to traffic safety and emergency vehicle access. | Varies |
| Concealed carry | You must be at least 21 years old, not have been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, not have a domestic abuse restraining order against you, complete a firearms safety training course, and obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to carry a handgun concealed. | Varies |
Conclusion:
Carrying a handgun in your car in Wisconsin is legal, but there are certain requirements and restrictions to be aware of. You must ensure that your handgun is unloaded and in a designated carrying case or holster, securely stored and out of sight in your car, and comply with all other applicable laws. Additionally, there are certain situations where a permit is required, and you must meet certain requirements to carry a handgun concealed. By understanding and complying with Wisconsin’s handgun laws, you can ensure a safe and legal carrying experience.
