Can you carry a gun across state lines?

The question of whether you can carry a gun across state lines is a complicated one, as it depends on a variety of factors. The short answer is no; you cannot carry a gun across state lines without the proper permits and documentation. This is because each state has laws regarding firearms, and it is illegal to transport a firearm from one state to another without obtaining the proper permits. Additionally, the federal government has laws regarding the transportation of firearms, which must also be followed.

To transport a firearm across state lines, you may have first to obtain a permit from the state you are leaving and a permit from the state you are entering. Additionally, you must ensure that the firearm is unloaded and securely stored in a locked container or case. Furthermore, you must be aware of any restrictions or prohibitions on the type of firearm you are transporting, as some states may not allow certain firearms to be transported.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that you comply with the law when transporting a firearm across state lines is to consult an attorney knowledgeable about the laws in the states you are traveling through. By doing so, you can ensure that you follow all of the necessary laws and regulations and avoid potential legal issues.

Interstate Transportation of Firearms

In most cases, unless you travel by personal transportation through reciprocal states, the state-to-state right of reciprocity cannot be exercised without engaging federal rights to move firearms between states.

This is a critical federal statute to collect and understand, as is the fact that this right exists for both handguns and long guns, but the GLBS Guide only addresses carrying a handgun in a reciprocal state.

However, as stated in the preface to Part II, the mode of transportation used, private versus public, significantly impacts how the firearm (i.e., handgun) must be packaged. Furthermore, this federal right fundamentally differs from the right to reciprocal carry (a state law right). You will not be able to exercise control over the firearm until You arrive in the reciprocal state — at least not legally.

State Reciprocity for Gun Laws

Many states have some form of reciprocity for gun laws, which means they recognize other states’ gun laws and may allow out-of-state visitors to carry a concealed firearm with a valid permit from their home state. However, the specific details of reciprocity agreements can vary widely between states, and some states may not have any reciprocity agreements at all. It’s important to note that even if a state has a reciprocity agreement with another state, there may be specific restrictions or limitations on what types of permits are recognized, where, and how firearms can be carried.

Note that this information is current as of 2023 and subject to change. Additionally, it’s important to note that even if two states have reciprocity agreements, it’s essential to research and comply with each state’s specific laws and regulations when carrying firearms across state lines.

Commerce Clause

In adopting extensive regulation of NFA weapons (machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors), GCA, or penal restrictions on firearms at airports and school zones, Congress did not preempt the firearms field.

However, Congress recognized the possibility of issues arising when a lawful firearms possessor moves a firearm from one lawful location in one state to another lawful location in another state if the firearm was prohibited or restricted somewhere in between.

Congress adopted a statute, Chapter 44 of the United States Code, covering “Firearms,” under its authority under the Commerce Clause to address matters affecting interstate commerce (i.e., travel across state lines). Statutes therein render any state law to the contrary unenforceable. In other words, Chapter 44 expressly grants You the right to transport firearms across state lines from one lawful location to another.

Federal Code Provision

Because of its power and importance, it is outlined in pertinent parts as follows:

“Notwithstanding any other provisions 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 he may lawfully possess and carry to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm . . . .”

DOJ Directive

Nonetheless, some states and law enforcement officers ignored or misapplied this provision. This included local police officers working at JFK International Airport who threatened through passengers with arrest because checked firearms were being transported between two (2) lawful locations by commercial passenger flight, with at least one (1) firearm confiscated.

The DOJ investigated and agreed that the local police violated the Gun Control Act at the request of Representative Don Young, who was outraged by the situation, in a letter dated June 18, 2003. The local cops were informed of the laws they were breaking.

This provision eventually allows interstate transport of Your handgun for reciprocal carry in a reciprocal state under a reciprocity agreement, and Your resident or non-resident carry license. The provision required is determined by the mode of transportation and is addressed next.

Conclusion

The federal right to interstate transportation encourages any state law that provides reciprocal carry. However, they are not the same thing. The right to interstate transportation necessitates specific packaging and disclosures that the firearms are being transported, always unloaded, and inaccessible to You. Only carrying a loaded handgun is covered by reciprocity.