Firearm Transport Question

[polo1665]

OK, so I've got my CCW license recently, chose and purchased my gun and holster, and have ordered lock boxes for my vehicle. Now I have a question regarding transporting my gun across state lines.

Later this month I will be travelling to South Carolina for a long weekend. The only states along the route that do not have reciprocity with Ohio are Pennsylvania and Maryland. I want to be careful and legal about how I transport my weapon in these states, but it seems that the best I could do is to hope I don't have a run in with the law, and if I do, lie.

Seems as if the transport laws in Maryland and Penna only allow you to transport a handgun only for very specific reasons. Just crossing the state doesn't seem to be one of these reasons. So do I just hope not to get pulled over, and lie if I do (not a good liar), or travel and extra 80 miles and avoid these two states.

 

[DT86]

I believe if it is unloaded and in a secured lock box you are ok. However I'm no expert.

Do you have an iPhone or iPad? There is an app I use called "CCW". If in doubt about any laws I check. It covers almost all state laws on firearms and is updated regularly.

 

[Boeing]

Keep the gun "inaccessable" and I don't think you would ever have a problem. If you're REALLY concerned LOCK it in the trunk or glovebox. (If you do put it in a glovebox MAKE SURE that your registration and/or insu papers are available WITHOUT going into that glovebox) I've NEVER had a lawman ask me if I had a weapon.......nor have I "volunteered" that information. Enjoy the secure feeling of having your weapon with you.

 

[murphy1244]

put ammo and unloaded gun as far apart as possible. IE. Gun in trunk ammo in glove box

 

[polo1665]

I believe if it is unloaded and in a secured lock box you are ok. However I'm no expert.

Do you have an iPhone or iPad? There is an app I use called CCW. If in doubt about any laws I check. It covers almost all state laws on firearms and is updated regularly.

Yeah the lock box is what I thought as well, but the laws imply that you have to be on your way to a target shoot, gun dealer, etc.

NRA-ILA | Maryland

I understand that any advice isn't legally binding, I just feel like I am missing something here.

 

[DT86]

Who's to say you aren't visiting a buddy in SC and going to the range?

Neither state has a "duty to inform" law but I'm afraid that only applies to CCW. Not sure about transport with out one.


Edit....
If looks like that app in available for android as well.

 

[polo1665]

Keep the gun "inaccessable" and I don't think you would ever have a problem. If you're REALLY concerned LOCK it in the trunk or glovebox. (If you do put it in a glovebox MAKE SURE that your registration and/or insu papers are available WITHOUT going into that glovebox) I've NEVER had a lawman ask me if I had a weapon.......nor have I "volunteered" that information. Enjoy the secure feeling of having your weapon with you.

put ammo and unloaded gun as far apart as possible. IE. Gun in trunk ammo in glove box

Probably exactly what I will do, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I don't plan on volunteering any info to the police if I'm not required to.

 

[IkeRoberts]

My copy of the Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States says:

Maryland-"Travelers passing through the state may transport inaccessible handguns. The weapons must be unloaded, cased and, either stowed in the trunk, or locked in a case if the vehicle has no trunk."
PA: Handguns must be unloaded, cased and secured in the trunk or rear storage area. The weapons should also be separated from from any ammunition."

 

[bcp]

I would leave it home if I HAD to travel through some of those "unfriendly" states. Consider what may happen if you have an accident, breakdown, car break-in, or stolen car.

Eighty miles out of your way is trivial.

Bruce

 

[TripleR]

I don't travel anymore but when I did, I contacted the states involved before hand and took their written responses with me. It is sad how little some Officers understand their own states laws.