Can I carry a rifle in my car?

Can I Carry a Rifle in My Car?

As a gun enthusiast or a hunter, the question of whether you can carry a rifle in your car is a common dilemma. The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on several factors, including your state of residence, local laws and regulations, and even federal laws. In this article, we will explore the federal and state laws that affect your ability to carry a rifle in your car and provide guidance on the laws and regulations you should follow.

Federal Laws:

The federal laws regulate the transportation of firearms and ammunition across state lines, but they do not completely prohibit the transportation of weapons in vehicles. Under Title 18, Chapter 44, Section 1313 of the U.S. Code, possessing a firearm across state lines in violation of state law is strictly prohibited. However, in 2004, a federal law was enacted known as the Transportation Security Stabilization Act (H.R. 130 in the 108th United States Congress) which, in part, aimed at clarifying the existing confusion regarding the transportation of long guns in an automobile.

What qualifies as a long gun for federal purposes?

As per the 1991 Federal Firearms License Regulation published by the Bureau of ATF (ATF 79.11), "pistols and revolvers" are regulated devices, while "firearms other than pistols or revolvers", inclusive of rifles and shotguns, are not.

Key takeaway: federal laws do not ban long guns from being carried in vehicles, but possess no specific guidance on transport-related regulations.

State Laws:

Whereas federal laws don’t explicitly prohibit carrying a long gun in a car, state laws can be more restrictive. Some states permit long-gun transport, either loaded, unloaded, or concealed on the person or within the vehicle, but strict regulations and penalties might enforce compliance. Conversely, other states strictly forbid all forms of gun transportation except for licensed handguns.