Federal law provides unrestricted travel when it comes to transporting your firearms that were acquired legally from state to state. The exception would be for felons who are explicitly denied the right to purchase and hold firearms as well as illegal aliens, drug users and those who have been involuntarily committed to mental institutions as well as others who have been denied the right to carry firearms after due process.
Firearms Owner
The Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) supersedes local and state laws or restrictions when it comes to transporting firearms as long as it is unloaded and out of reach during the transportation process. The same rules apply to ammunition as well. However, it must be noted that some states and localities only recognize FOPA as a defense after an arrest has been made. So, including all the pertinent documents for ownership of your firearms is well advised if you are travelling through states or localities that have different laws.
Carrying a firearm on your person invokes different laws that will require you know what local and state authorities have in terms of any restrictions. This means that you may have to obtain state permits, however there are some places that non-residents will be unable to get such permits, so you will need to check with the Attorney General’s office of each state where you want to carry weapons on or near your person.
For the most part, carrying unloaded legal weapons in the trunk of your vehicle or in a place that is inaccessible to the driver or passengers of the vehicle is legal and does not require any special permission or permits. However, there are certain types of weapons that may be legal in most states, but illegal in others which means that if such weapons are discovered you may be in trouble with the authorities of that particular state or locality.
Firearm Accessories
When it comes to flying aboard a commercial aircraft carrier, then different rules apply depending on where you attempt to carry the firearms. All firearms and firearm accessories must be checked with the air carrier as part of your lugged or inside the checked luggage. You must declare any firearm or ammunition present in your luggage otherwise you might be subject to criminal penalties for failing to properly notify the authorities when you arrive at the airport. You cannot carry any firearm, ammunition or even pieces of a firearm in your carry-on baggage.
Remember that all firearms must be unloaded when travelling either in your vehicle or on a commercial air carrier. Your checked baggage will be subject to inspection, so always remember to check your baggage before you leave so that you are not inadvertently carrying a firearm even if you were not planning on doing so.
All travelers should comply with FOPA laws when bringing along their firearm and TSA policies when flying on commercial airliners. In this manner, you can safely travel with your firearms by following all the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, they should be directed to the proper authorities and you should have the paperwork demonstrated ownership of the weapons as well.
At Mounting Solutions Plus, we’re proud to promote safe gun ownership & happy shooting.
