Can I Have a Gun in My Car in Oregon?
Oregon is known for its liberal gun laws, and owning a firearm is a right protected by the Second Amendment. However, there are specific regulations and restrictions on where and how you can carry your gun, including in your car. In this article, we’ll break down the laws and regulations regarding carrying a gun in your car in Oregon.
Can I Have a Gun in My Car in Oregon?
The short answer is yes, you can have a gun in your car in Oregon, but there are certain requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of. You must have a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to carry a concealed firearm, including in your car. If you don’t have a CHL, you can still carry a firearm in your car if it’s unloaded and not readily accessible.
Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Requirements
To obtain a CHL in Oregon, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a valid Oregon driver’s license or ID card
- Complete a firearms safety course approved by the Oregon State Police
- Pass a background check
- Pay the required fee ($65 for a 5-year license)
Carrying a Gun in Your Car: Restrictions and Considerations
Even with a CHL, there are specific restrictions and considerations to keep in mind when carrying a gun in your car:
- Unloaded and not readily accessible: If you don’t have a CHL, your gun must be unloaded and not readily accessible in your car. This means it cannot be in a easily accessible location, such as the glove compartment or center console.
- Trigger lock or cable lock required: If you have a CHL, you must use a trigger lock or cable lock to secure your firearm when it’s not in your possession.
- No carrying in a public place: You cannot carry a firearm in a public place, including schools, hospitals, courthouses, and government buildings.
- No carrying in a vehicle with children present: You cannot carry a firearm in a vehicle if there are children under the age of 16 present, unless you have the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Table: Oregon Gun Laws
Law | Description |
---|---|
Concealed Handgun License (CHL) | Required to carry a concealed firearm, including in your car |
Unloaded and not readily accessible | If you don’t have a CHL, your gun must be unloaded and not readily accessible in your car |
Trigger lock or cable lock required | If you have a CHL, you must use a trigger lock or cable lock to secure your firearm when it’s not in your possession |
No carrying in a public place | You cannot carry a firearm in a public place, including schools, hospitals, courthouses, and government buildings |
No carrying in a vehicle with children present | You cannot carry a firearm in a vehicle if there are children under the age of 16 present, unless you have the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian |
Penalties for Violating Oregon Gun Laws
If you violate any of Oregon’s gun laws, you can face serious penalties, including:
- Misdemeanor charges: Fines and/or imprisonment for up to one year
- Felony charges: Fines and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years
- Loss of CHL privileges: You may lose your CHL privileges for a period of time or permanently
Conclusion
In Oregon, you can have a gun in your car, but there are specific requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of. If you have a valid Concealed Handgun License (CHL), you can carry a concealed firearm, including in your car, but you must follow the law and use a trigger lock or cable lock to secure your firearm when it’s not in your possession. If you don’t have a CHL, you can still carry a firearm in your car if it’s unloaded and not readily accessible, but you must be aware of the restrictions and penalties for violating Oregon’s gun laws.
Additional Resources
- Oregon State Police: Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
- Oregon Revised Statutes: Chapter 166 (Firearms)
- National Rifle Association (NRA): Oregon Gun Laws
Remember to always follow the law and exercise caution when carrying a firearm, even in your car.