Can I Carry an Unloaded Gun in My Car PA?
As a gun owner in Pennsylvania, you may have questions about carrying an unloaded gun in your car. This article aims to provide you with the direct answer and necessary information to make informed decisions about transporting your firearms.
Legal Considerations
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon, loaded or unloaded, without a license to carry firearms. Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, section 6106(a)(3) states: "A person may not carry a loaded or unloaded firearm, unless otherwise permitted, unless that person is licensed as a dealer or a dealer’s employee and the firearm is being carried as part of the regular business of the dealer." [1]
Permitted Carry of Unloaded Guns in a Vehicle
While you cannot carry a loaded gun without a permit, an unloaded gun is subject to some specific rules:
- You must transport the unloaded gun in a vehicle with cylinder pin removed or clip or detachable magazine removed, according to Section 6108(a)(4). This means the gun must be rendered incapable of being loaded.
- The gun must be kept out of plain sight, in a secure manner, to prevent unauthorized access. (e.g., a gun safe, trunk, or lockbox).
Constitutional Carry vs. Non-Permit Carry
Pennsylvania does not have a "constitutional carry" law, which allows residents to carry a concealed gun without a permit. Currently, residents can obtain a permit to carry concealed under the state’s firearms license law, Act 17. Only permit holders are exempt from the concealment requirements.
What You Should Know About Pennsylvania Gun Laws
| Gun Law Regulation | Legal Carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Concealed Carry | Licensed concealed carry with permit ( Act 17) | Permit holders are exempt from concealment requirements |
| Unloaded Carrying | Not permitted in Pennsylvania without special circumstances | (Section 6106(a)(3)) – Cylinder pin removed or clip or detachable magazine removed, out of plain sight |
| Open Carry | Generally permitted ( Section 6108) | |
| Transportation | Carrying unloaded and cased is permitted in vehicles | (Section 6108) |
What is Unloaded?
When considering transporting an unloaded gun in Pennsylvania, you should define "unloaded":
- An unloaded firearm means one in which no shot shells or cartridges are inserted, fired, or removed.
- A shotgun with an unbroken plug, except when used in competition, and a handgun or revolver without a loaded magazine are examples of unloaded firearms. [2]
Safety and Responsibility
As a responsible gun owner, you must ensure that your firearm is stored securely and not accessible to unauthorized individuals, particularly when transporting an unloaded gun. This is a significant aspect of maintaining a safe environment for everyone on the road.
Additional Tips for Unloaded Gun Transport in Pennsylvania
• Store the gun in a trunk or designated area.
• Use a gun case, lockbox, or storage container.
• Make sure the cylinder pin, clip, or detachable magazine is removed.
• Never leave a loaded gun unattended, even for a short period.
In summary, in Pennsylvania, carrying an unloaded gun in your car, with a removed cylinder pin, clip, or detachable magazine, is possible under specific conditions:
- You must keep it out of plain sight, in a secure manner, to prevent unauthorized access.
- Only permit holders are exempt from the concealment requirements.
Always exercise caution, maintain your responsibility, and be aware of the changing gun laws and regulations in your state.
