Driving Inter-State w/a Shotgun?

[HoploDad]

We are taking a driving trip that will include the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. We will not visit Chicago but could pass through it on one of the possible routes. We would also normally pass through St. Louis.

How do I determine if it is legal to have a shotgun in the car? The shotgun would of course be of legal barrel length, it's not "tactical", and in fact is a side by side, only holding 2 rounds. Ammo could be on a butt cuff, nearby the gun or in a separate package far removed. The vehicle has no separated trunk storage.

Is it legal to bring a shotgun along from state to state on a trip, even north of the Mason-Dixon line? Thank you.

 

[Malamute]

It varies by state. If travelling through, you are likely OK, though in Illinois, guns are supposed to be cased, separate from ammo, and not easily available if possible. If you dont have a trunk, then just not easily handy to the driver should be OK. I think theres an Illinois gun forum, it may have the most recent info or could tell you where to look.

I believe the Firearm Owners Protection Act wants them unloaded and cased when travelling through other states. This is a starting point, not the answer.

If you have a concealed carry permit, it changes the situation in may states, even in Illinois I believe, at least while in your car, but that only applies to handguns in many places, not long guns.

 

[JSH1]

My vehicle does not have a trunk either. I transport my guns with the gun locked in a case and the ammo in an ammo box also locked.

 

[Spats McGee]

Caveat: I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you rely on what I post, you do so at your own peril.

There. With that out of the way, I'll say this: I'll only comment on Arkansas law. I'm not licensed in any of the other states, nor do I have time to do the research. Arkansas does not have any particular laws on transporting shotguns as far as I know. (I've been a lawyer for 10+ years and I've hauled shotguns around this state in various vehicles for about 30 years now.) That said, I suggest: (1) cased; (2) separated from you; and (3) unloaded.

I always transport mine somewhere in the back of the vehicle (bed of truck, back of minivan, or some such) if at all possible. I don't like the idea that the shotgun might be considered within the "lunge area." Also, with the exception of my EDC pistol, I transport all firearms unloaded. There's no requirement that the shotgun be separated from ammo. Nonetheless, mine are usually separated, but that's because I like to take plenty of shells with me when I hunt. You can only fit so many boxes of shells in the case with the shotgun.

 

[oneounceload]

Is it legal to bring a shotgun along from state to state on a trip, even north of the Mason-Dixon line? Thank you.

Simple answer is Yes.
More complete answer is It Depends on the state.

Keep it in a case in what would normally be the trunk (I'm assuming you are either talking about a SUV or a hatchback car)

The states you mentioned are fine.

 

[Blackbeard]

It varies by state. If travelling through, you are likely OK, though in Illinois, guns are supposed to be cased, separate from ammo, and not easily available if possible. If you dont have a trunk, then just not easily handy to the driver should be OK. I think theres an Illinois gun forum, it may have the most recent info or could tell you where to look.

It doesn't have to be separate from ammo, just not loaded. The conditions for transporting firearms are:

(a) (4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:
(i) are broken down in a non-functioning state; or
(ii) are not immediately accessible; or
(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case,

firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card

Basically, if it's not loaded and in a case, and in the trunk or otherwise out of reach, you're fine.

 

[X-Rap]

There are a number of websites dedicated to compiling gun information of the fifty states. I'd do some searching and see if you can find the info you seek. The NRA/ILA is a good place to start, they all have disclaimers so unless your willing to write a check to a lawyer familiar with all the states you are traveling you are on your own.
I print out copies of the laws for the states I'm traveling and will make adjustments as I go, the copies may also prove helpful if you are stopped, especially if they reference specific state code.
With a long gun you may have to even check the DNR regulations.

 

[HoploDad]

Thanks to all, your opinions are appreciated.

 

[Sav .250]

Inter state travel with a weapon can be very tricky. If your stopped for something.

It`s on you to get the facts, nobody else. You can`t say," well, that`s what somebody told me."

 

[Ed Ames]

Research here as a starting point: https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/