route.jpgOne of these days, the Better Half and I plan to hit the road for a long vacation. We’re going to travel to “flyover country” and have a look around at some of the attractions and drink in the local history, scenery and Americana. Also, I have a personal goal to visit the last two states where I have yet to set foot. This trip will do it.

I figured that since we are going to be in places we’ve never visited, that a good itinerary will be needed. I usually do a plan and use it as a guide and not a strictly disciplined journey. The inset map is for discussion purposes at this point.

Since we’re going to be bringing some of our arsenal for personal protection and possible sport, I further concluded that looking into the local gun regulations for states we may visit would be essential. Using data from the NRA-ILA Gun Laws by State page, I constructed the table below. Since we both have our Utah CCW, I included a column to indicate reciprocity.

Examination of the data in the Transportation Issues column reveals a wide range of things that must be considered while en route and when camping or lodging. Bottom line: we will avoid camping in states with quirky laws and no reciprocity with our CCW.

Disclaimer: The information below the fold should not be used to determine current laws.

State

Utah
Recip?

Gun
Transportation Issues

California NO

Guns must be transported in a fully enclosed secure container locked by a key lock or similar locking device. The trunk is considered to meet the requirement.

Arizona YES

Guns may not be carried into premises prohibiting guns, public buildings or K-12 schools.

Nevada NO

State law has been interpreted to allow an individual to carry a firearm in their vehicle as long as it is not actually on the person or in a container carried by the person.

Utah YES

It is lawful to carry a firearm in a vehicle without a permit if: the firearm is unloaded; securely encased (not including a glove box or console box) and is not readily accessible for immediate use.

Idaho YES

While in any motor vehicle, inside the limits or confines of any city, a person shall not carry a concealed weapon on or about his person without a license to carry a concealed weapon. This shall not apply to any pistol or revolver located in plain view whether it is loaded or unloaded. A firearm may be concealed legally in a motor vehicle so long as the weapon is disassembled or unloaded.

Wyoming YES

No specific transportation issues, but, like many states, Wyoming has a list of prohibited places, such as bars, courthouses, schools, etc.

Montana YES

Are you kidding me? This is MONTANA.

North Dakota YES

No person may keep or carry a loaded firearm in or on any motor vehicle. Exceptions include CCW permit.

South Dakota YES

No person shall carry a pistol concealed in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person, without a license to carry. A permit is not required to carry an unloaded handgun if it is carried in the trunk or other closed compartment of a vehicle or if it is in a closed container, which is too large to be effectively concealed on the person or within his clothing. This container may be carried in a vehicle or in any other manner.

Minnesota YES

To transport in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat if the firearm is unloaded and in a closed and fastened case, gun box or securely tied package.

Wisconsin NO

It is unlawful to possess, place, or transport in or on any aircraft, vehicle, ATV, or any motor-driven boat while the motor is running, any firearm unless such firearm is unloaded and in a case.

Illinois NO

OK to transport firearms that are broken down in a non-functioning state or are not immediately accessible (e.g., in the trunk of a car); and transportation, carrying, or possession of a firearm which is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. Residents are required to have a valid Firearms Owners ID - non-residents excepted IF they have similar ID in their home state.

Iowa NO

A person may carry or transport for lawful purposes, an unloaded pistol or revolver in a vehicle inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the
person or inside a cargo or luggage compartment where the pistol or revolver will not be readily accessible to any person.

Missouri YES

Persons over the age twenty-one years of age or older may transport a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a vehicle as long as the firearm is lawfully possessed.

Kansas NO

There is no specific mention of transportation, but there is a long list of places where you cannot take a gun. Open carry seems to be OK everywhere else. Isn’t Dodge City in Kansas?

Oklahoma YES

A person may transport an unloaded firearm openly in a motor vehicle at any time. It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle, though there are some exceptions for firearms carried by those with a concealed carry license.

Texas YES

It is unlawful to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly carry on or about one’s person a handgun in a motor vehicle if the handgun is in plain view or the person is engaged in criminal activity (other than a misdemeanor traffic violation), prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or is a member of a street gang.

Colorado YES

A handgun is not considered concealed if it is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who is carrying it for a legal use, or the handgun is in the possession of a person who is legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.

New Mexico YES

Carrying in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance, for lawful protection of person or property is OK.