CCW from TN via MS-AL, then New Orleans?

[Ignition Override]

We are TN residents. We usually drive down Hwy 45 via Meridian MS to stay a few days in Fairhope (east. shore) AL. This time, we will also drive from AL for a short stay in New Orleans, before coming back north on I-55.

A retired LEO just told me that AL Apparatchiks are having "a spat" with MS Apparatchiks over CCW issues.
I have no idea whether the handgun can be carried in the car's console for very short stays in two (AL, LA) of the four states, or if necessary, where it should be left unloaded in the car trunk.

It's no big deal whether it must be left at home, but it would be nice to have it in the console during most, if not all of this personal road trip.

 

[Spats McGee]

This would be my first stop: http://handgunlaw.us/

 

[Ignition Override]

Thank you.

The site is bookmarked, but one of the problems is that sections on various states fail to describe whether the law covers automobile transit/carry for a Resident of AL etc, or a Vistor driving through, or staying for a few days.

It's not worth the risk, though it's unlikely that a given person would be stopped.

 

[Ash]

Mississippi wouldn't be a problem - the automobile is an extension of the home. A pistol under the seat or in a console (or heck, under a cloth) or in the open is legal. I didn't read about how MS and TN get along, but that is your real issue. Since you are merely passing through Mississippi, your real issue isn't here, but Alabama. I haven't looked it up, but MS vs AL really won't matter to TN. Your concern is how Alabama treats Tennessee CCW licenses (ditto for Louisiana and TN). I know Alabama doesn't allow vehicle carry the same as Mississippi does.

 

[Jim Watson]

AL is reciprocal with TN so your permit is OK here. Can't say about MS.

 

[Double_J]

Mississippi and Louisiana both will be no problem with car carry. Alabama does accept Tennessee's permit for car carry.

 

[REB]

Alabama accepts all other state permits. You do need a permit to have a loaded pistol in your car.

 

[Derry 1946]

Louisiana honors the Tennessee carry permit. See lsp.org, and click on "reciprocity." Louisiana allows a weapon in the car, loaded or not, visible or not. From the Louisiana State Police website:
A. Under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana. We suggest that you refer to Louisiana Revised Statutes (L.R.S.) Title 14 Sections 95; 95.1; 95.2; 95.6; 95.7; 95.8. Information on these statutes can be obtained at http://www.legis.state.la.us or in the “Laws and Rules” section of our web page (http://www.lsp.org/handguns.html).

Have fun, and be careful in New Orleans.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks very much for the info.

 

[Derry 1946]

Enjoy your stay, and do visit the excellent WWII Museum if at all possible. Free to vets, and it has some very interesting weapons in the collection. In fact, my family and I were there today.

 

[Ignition Override]

Derry 1946: The only reason I'm going at all to New Orleans is to visit the WW2 Museum, which was started by the late Steven Ambrose:
"Band of Brothers" etc, for those who forgot his name. Short business overnights there had far too little time for a visit.

I don't remember much from visiting it back around '98 (?) or so in its original configuration.
While there, a gent who operated landing craft up to three of the WW2 invasion beaches was describing the events. After about 10 min. of listening, my wife and young son decided to go to the Aquarium:banghead:. I remained five more min., but wanted to hear much more from the man's account of those invasions.

It's doubtful that he is still active at his age, or even alive. My late father-in-law was a 2nd Lt. with the Quartermasters in Bastogne (Dec. '44) and is buried at Arlington. He had volunteered to serve with the 101st, instead of spending the whole time in England. Died at age 89.

 

[Derry 1946]

WWII museum is a fantastic experience. The new sections are cutting edge interactive. My boys (5 and 7) were captivated for hours and my dad (who was 4 when the war ended) was quite choked up. You'll really enjoy the much expanded and updated complex. Good eats there too.