Loaded gun in vehicle - Maine

[Ryanxia]

A friend of mine thought differently than me on this particular issue. I was hoping someone might have some info.

As a Concealed Carry permit holder a Maine resident is allowed to carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle. It has been my belief that once you exit the vehicle and it is UNOCCUPIED you still cannot have a loaded gun in your vehicle, it must be unloaded. Does that sound accurate?

I am also under the impression that even with a CCW permit one cannot have a loaded rifle/shotgun in their vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any info. When I got my CCW a few years back the booklet they gave was kind of confusing regarding laws (go figure).
I've called our Maine State police on a few occasions to clarify a few questions but they never get back to me

 

[bk42261]

By Maine law, you are NEVER allowed to have a loaded longgun in your vehicle.
As to loaded handguns, if you have a CWP, and a loaded handgun, why would you leave it in your vehicle unattended? If you can't or won't bring it with you, unload it and put it in the trunk or lock it in the glovebox if possible.

 

[Ron James]

I know quite a few folks who have a gun in the car, but don't carry outside the vehicle. I've been guilty of such a thing myself.

 

[Ryanxia]

BK- Mostly the reason I ask is because my ever day carry is a pocket carry and if I'm wearing jeans it's hard to draw if I'm in the truck (no trunk btw) and it would be nice to have something within reach. Also, going to the range I have several guns which are loaded (not chambered) and if I have to go pump gas I'd rather not unload them.

An acquaintance of mine who was taking criminal justice in college (I know, I know) said that the police can break into your vehicle to check if your handgun is chambered even if you have the magazine ejected and laying on the seat.

 

[Ryanxia]

Wow, not too much knowledge on this.

 

[robMaine]

In Maine a CCW allows you to have a loaded firearm in your vehicle, does not need to be on your person and the car does not need to be occupied. You can never have a loaded long gun in a vehicle.

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks rob, you wouldn't know where I could find a link on that would you?

 

[bikemutt]

Here's summary from the NRA website for Maine: http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-laws/maine.aspx

Go to the Carrying section and click READ ALL. The way I read it is as long as you have a permit you may have a loaded handgun in your vehicle or trailer.

A person who has a valid Maine permit to carry a concealed weapon may have in or on a motor vehicle or trailer a loaded pistol or revolver covered by that permit

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks bikemutt. I'll check that out, should have thought to check there

 

[bikemutt]

I like the part where it may be "in or on" the vehicle, it conjures up the image of a turret-mounted Glock being operated by the family hampster dressed in full camo, lol.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Is a Maine long gun with an empty chamber and a full magazine "loaded"?

 

[robMaine]

Is a Maine long gun with an empty chamber and a full magazine "loaded"?

I believe that is considered loaded in Maine, however according to LEO buddies, you would only ever be charged for that by a Warden or someone looking to jam you up.

 

[Salmoneye]

Is a Maine long gun with an empty chamber and a full magazine "loaded"?

Only if the magazine is in contact with the gun...


note: A loaded clip may be carried in a
motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in,
or attached to, a firearm; a crossbow may be
carried as long it is not cocked and armed; a
muzzleloading firearm is considered to be loaded
only if charged with powder, lead and a primed
ignition device or mechanism.

Page 13

http://www.eregulations.com/maine/hunting/pdf

 

[Ryanxia]

As Salmoneye said, a muzzleloader is only loaded when it has all; powder,round,primer. Take the percussion cap off and it is not unloaded

 

[Centurian22]

Great question and information provided here. Thank you to all who provided info. I'm a central Maine resident with plans to get my Carry Permit within the near future. Anyone from Maine happen to shoot at the Orrington Rod and Gun Club Range?