Traveling With A Gun Question

[Steve K (IA)]

I am driving to Texas next week.  I have a permit to carry in Iowa.  The states I'll be going through honor my Iowa permit.  But I don't know if there are special rules in these states when traveling with a handgun...MO, OK and TX.  I'm having trouble finding this info on the internet.
Loaded? 
Unloaded? 
Glove box? 
Case?
I don't want to get in trouble should I happen to get stopped.

[Bighead]

 https://www.gunstocarry.com
 

[Tundra]

Been carrying over 30 years, that's the best, most concise easy read, understand and navigate gun laws information found all in one spot I've seen.

 I would recommend exploring the resources/gun laws by state info. thoroughly...thought I knew it all and learned a few things.
Great information and Thanks for posting

[cookiedough]

I may be wrong, but police cannot check inside your vehicle if no permit right?  Just do not keep the gun out in the open is all for them to see it from outside the vehicle/cycle.

[Skinhead]

Some states are a must disclose state, meaning you must inform a LEO that you are/are not carrying a firearm if you have a CCP, Failure to disclose may result in fines/revocation of your permit.  if you have a CCP, it may appear on your drivers license info.  If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, or have contact with an LEO and do not disclose in a must disclose state, you could have problems.  So it is a good idea to know the laws in the state you are in.  I personally disclose to the LEO regardless, it usually puts them at ease and they figure if you have a CCP, you are not a criminal wanted for some offense or have warrants, so they may not check. 

[Serk]

Smart phone app called "Legal Heat" is great for traveling (Even more so if you're the type that doesn't fully plan out your route until you're on the road)

Choose a state, and it gives you the current firearm laws for that state, where you can and can't carry, if it's a need to disclose state, etc. etc. etc.

[Bighead]

Thanks for that serk

[F6Dave]

Smart phone app called "Legal Heat" is great for traveling (Even more so if you're the type that doesn't fully plan out your route until you're on the road)

Choose a state, and it gives you the current firearm laws for that state, where you can and can't carry, if it's a need to disclose state, etc. etc. etc.

The "where you can't carry" part is important to read before travelling.  For instance, in some states you might not be able to carry in a restaurant if there's also a bar on the premises.  Or, you may not be able to carry in a park.  Just because another state honors your permit doesn't mean you can carry in all the same places you might be able to at home.

[Sorcerer]

www.handgunlaw.us is what I use. Works well on an IPhone.

[Jess from VA]

Of the States you mentioned (including IA), only OK requires you to notify the officer of the permit & firearm if you are pulled over (or otherwise face to face with a firearm on your person).  Generally, the best way to do this is simply to hand over the permit, together with the license and registration.  (And keep your hands in plain view at all times, never in your pockets)

VA doesn't have a requirement to notify either, but past experience shows it makes the VA police angry (esp State Police) if you fail to notify.  They've been angry at the legislature for not making that a requirement of state law ever since it was passed.  As a VA resident with VA permit, I will come up on their vehicle computer as a permit holder (right away), so I do notify if pulled over with a concealed loaded firearm (regardless of the law).

I do the same homework you should do whenever traveling.

I am somewhat conflicted on the notification issue when I am out of state.  My default setting is always to follow the law to the letter.  But I am also aware of the long history of out of state (tag) drivers being viewed as fair game in traffic stops (and that few drivers will ever want to return to that state to go to court once or maybe twice, should they feel contesting one or more tickets is the right thing to do for whatever reason).  So when out of state, I am never inclined to do anything to draw extra attention to myself, including notify of a permit and firearm (esp if there is no duty to notify in that particular state, but what if there is a duty to notify?).

To my knowledge, there is still no nationwide registry of CCW holders for an LE to check on his car computer.  (I believe there may be an agreement in place between VA, DC, and MD... there are for several other reasons as well, like your driving record).  I do not know of any other similar contiguous state agreements, but it seems likely there may be some.

When driving or riding, I rarely carry on my person, but rather have it secured/concealed in an easy to reach place (like the glove box).  This makes it somewhat better to fail to notify than having it on your hip.  Especially if the officer was to have you exit your vehicle (which is never SOP, but always a possibility).  If you are carrying on your person however, I don't see how you can fail to notify in any notify state.

If you fail to notify, in a notify state, it is a ticketable offense (that can probably just be paid my mail), but I cannot be sure of any other consequences (if any) in any given state.  And if reported back to your state, whether it may be grounds to revoke your permit.

If you fail to notify while traveling through a notify state, and it is somehow discovered, you can say you checked and found out your state permit does have reciprocity with this state, and your state does not have a notify requirement, and you did not realize this state had a notification requirement (with a great big apology).  Claiming ignorance may be a reasonable explanation, but it's no defense and you may be ticketed.  Silence can never be a false official statement.  But lies can be (though proving what you knew can be next to impossible).

I have never failed to notify in a notify state (never been pulled over), but I've thought about it.  Being an old man with plenty of time, I do my best these days to never give anyone any reason to pull me over for any reason (especially out of state).  I'm not perfect at it, but way better than I was in my wild and crazy youth (through age 45 or so).

Finally, my firearm always goes in motels with me... but it is never left in the room (except maybe for minutes).  And I always post the do not disturb sign on my door, for my entire stay, even if it's a week.  I do my own house cleaning, towels, yada (always).  This way, no one should ever be coming through my door, even with a key, when I'm in there (or not).

[Bighead]

Notification always seems kinda stupid in a way. Same as many gun laws. The only ones that will do it are the law abiding, criminals dont give a shat about the law.

[Jess from VA]

I really think it's (notification) about protecting and respect for policeman (on the street), who deserve all the help they can get.

Most of us lawful gun owners are pretty sick of all the thousands of gun laws and regulations, especially since even having a Juris Doctor degree doesn't mean you can be sure you understand and follow them all.

But many of them are a good idea.  I just wish the focus remained on criminals, not the law abiding, even though the laws are mostly only followed by the law abiding.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I really think it's (notification) about protecting and respect for policeman (on the street), who deserve all the help they can get.

Most of us lawful gun owners are pretty sick of all the thousands of gun laws and regulations, especially since even having a Juris Doctor degree doesn't mean you can be sure you understand and follow them all.

But many of them are a good idea.  I just wish the focus remained on criminals, not the law abiding, even though the laws are mostly only followed by the law abiding.   

Isn’t that pretty much true with all laws ?

[RDAbull]

The State of Ohio is a must inform state.  My permit is based on that, so I must inform in all circumstances to be in compliance with the permit.  A case where Ohio law to get the permit supersedes local law in Ohio's eyes.

[Jess from VA]

I really think it's (notification) about protecting and respect for policeman (on the street), who deserve all the help they can get.

Most of us lawful gun owners are pretty sick of all the thousands of gun laws and regulations, especially since even having a Juris Doctor degree doesn't mean you can be sure you understand and follow them all.

But many of them are a good idea.  I just wish the focus remained on criminals, not the law abiding, even though the laws are mostly only followed by the law abiding.   

Isn’t that pretty much true with all laws ?

Isn't what pretty much true with all laws?

Yes all criminal laws may not be followed by all criminals, but you'll notice we view murder as about the worst crime there is; yet there's not 10,000 murder laws and regs on the books (like gun laws). 

The murder statutes (and most ordinary criminal law) is fairly straightforward, and you don't have to have your lawyer with you to understand (or remember) them.

And yes, the RICO criminal enterprise and some few other exceptions exist which are somewhat complex.  But there's not 10,000 RICO laws either.

Whether it's true the existing criminal and civil codes, traffic, zoning, health, tax, environmental and all other laws today make us ALL daily lawbreakers one way or the other is another question, and also worthy of discussion.

[henry 008]

The State of Ohio is a must inform state.  My permit is based on that, so I must inform in all circumstances to be in compliance with the permit.  A case where Ohio law to get the permit supersedes local law in Ohio's eyes.

didn't they change that recently? theory was, if you got pulled over for a traffic violation, and forgot to inform the officer you'd be in big trouble. you must inform if he asks you.

[¿spoom]

https://www.gunstocarry.com
 

That's a great site, thanks 

[Bighead]

https://www.gunstocarry.com
 

That's a great site, thanks  

I found that site while about to take a trip. I avoid all states that paint my permit RED! My state honors all other states permits as it should be(you have to pass the same Federal background check to get a permit so why not honor it in all states?). The only permit they don’t recognize is a NY City permit.

[Steve K (IA)]

https://www.gunstocarry.com
 

Thanks for that site.  The states I'm driving through honor an Iowa permit so I should be okay.  If I encounter the police,  I'll give them my CC permit along with my DL even though OK is the only state where you have to notify the officer...just to be safe.

[RDAbull]

The State of Ohio is a must inform state.  My permit is based on that, so I must inform in all circumstances to be in compliance with the permit.  A case where Ohio law to get the permit supersedes local law in Ohio's eyes.

didn't they change that recently? theory was, if you got pulled over for a traffic violation, and forgot to inform the officer you'd be in big trouble. you must inform if he asks you.

From The November update:
Traffic Stops and Other Law Enforcement Encounters
If a person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun as a CCW licensee, whether in a motor vehicle or not, he shall promptly inform the law enforcement officer that he is carrying a concealed handgun. If in a vehicle, the licensee shall remain in the vehicle and keep his hands in plain sight at all times. Violating this section of law is a first-degree misdemeanor, and in addition to any other penalty handed down by a court, may result in the suspension of the person’s concealed handgun license for one year. A permit holder is not required to inform law enforcement of his status if he is not carrying a firearm.

Are you going to Slade--

[Gavin_Sons]

https://www.gunstocarry.com
 

Thanks for that site.  The states I'm driving through honor an Iowa permit so I should be okay.  If I encounter the police,  I'll give them my CC permit along with my DL even though OK is the only state where you have to notify the officer...just to be safe.

Good idea   the police always appreciate that.  But in my state I will not notify an officer unless he ask me directly. The i will say yes i am carrying and hand over my permit. Had one local hotshot get pissy with me and tell me i was required to give that information first and foremost. I laughed and asked him if he needed to go back to the academy. Pulled up the stated site seek posted and showed him. He was really pissed, threw my license and permit and insurance back through my truck window and stormed off. I looked at my wife and said I guess that means we can go? Some peoples kids  

[Sorcerer]

Must inform: Mo=no. AR=yes. Texas =yes. OK=Yes. KS=yes.

[Jess from VA]

The first cited CCW site says TX is not a shall notify state.

I'll be traveling with three tomorrow.  My original '90 Israeli Jericho got new sights (that glow in the dark again), and my vintage Argentine FN contract Browning Hi Power has been brought back to life by my local gunsmith.

The vintage nickel Airweight square butt J frame (Mod 37) never leaves the bike.  

[fudgie]

If you go through a Rez, they have different laws. I always get confused so I separate the ammo and gun in each saddle bag.

[old2soon]

            As much as I HATE to do it when I cross over-well before I cross-into il I pull the magazine on my carry weapon cycle the slide a few times and put my pistolas in the safe and along with the magazines are hidden in the trunk.  The ONLY reason I go to il it is SADLY where most of my relatives reside.  On the upside there is a nice new range within 10 or 15 mins of my Brothers casa.  RIDE SAFE.

[MarkT]

Feel bad for you.  Fortunately I have no relatives in Ill-Noise so I go S around it if I have to go East.  Coming back last time (to Roanoke) I went N to MI and took the steamship ferry across the lake.