Laws concerning traveling with a gun vary from one state to another, so it is vital to know these laws and comply with them. Whether you have a concealed carry permit or not, you should be aware of driving safely with your firearm. This means that you should mind your safety and that of other passengers in the vehicle you are driving. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you learn how to observe legal requirements while driving with a gun.
Federal Law on Transportation of Guns
Federal law doesn’t prevent people from driving with legally obtained guns across state lines except for individuals prohibited by the law, such as convicted felons, illegal drug users, dishonorably discharged veterans, or individuals subject to domestic violence. Furthermore, most states have their own regulations and procedures concerning the transportation of firearms. The Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA), a federal law provision, protects persons transporting guns for lawful purposes to any part of the country.
FOPA allows persons to transport their guns from one place to another, notwithstanding local law. However, local laws must apply when carrying the firearm on your person, loaded or readily available. You may also need to consult the Attorney General’s department of each state you may travel through.
Practice All Time Gun Safety Especially when Driving
As a concealed carry permit holder, you probably know the importance of carrying your weapon safely. Different types of guns like an AR 15 Low require proper handling and storage while driving. Moreover, safety while driving with a AR 15 becomes more critical if there are passengers besides you, especially minors who cannot use a firearm. Most importantly, as you try to make your gun quickly accessible, ensure it not reachable from other cars. Depending on your location, you may be allowed to buy holsters and mounts for places of your vehicle that only a person on the driver’s side can reach.
Keep Safety and Comfort on Longer Trips
While it is easy to cope with wearing your firearm on your person on short trips, it may be quite challenging to cope with it longer. Even the smallest handgun can cause significant discomfort when pressed between the seat and your body. This discomfort can easily trigger an unsafe situation, risking your life and the lives of your passengers.
That explains why you need to understand the local concealed carry laws to let you know where else in your vehicle you can store your gun if you want to carry it separately. Some suggested safe places you can keep your firearm may include underneath the steering area, the driver’s side console, or underneath the driver’s side seat. Ultimately, whenever you decide to keep your gun, ensure it is a secure and easily accessible area.
Make Your Concealed Carry Handgun Easily Accessible
The main point of having a concealed carry gun is that it’s easily accessible whenever you need it. However, this may become a significant challenge when driving, where you may be sitting for prolonged periods wearing a seat belt. While driving, your main goal is to prepare for quick, one-hand access, even when you’re wearing the safety belt. In case you need to use your concealed carry weapon while driving, the other hand will probably be busy controlling the steering wheel.
To ensure safety, don’t keep your gun out of your reach. Also, don’t keep it on the passenger’s side; an emergency requiring you to access your weapon is most likely to come from your side. You don’t want to waste time trying to reach for the gun on the opposite side of the vehicle.
