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The United States of America has over four million miles of highway. That’s enough to make it to the moon and back around nine times. Nearly every one of those miles is traversed by truck drivers and their cargo. That makes semi-trucks, their payloads, and their drivers targets for criminals. So, are truckers allowed to carry guns in their semi-trucks to protect themselves on the open road?

In short, truck drivers are allowed to carry guns in their semi-trucks for protection. After all, truckers often transport millions of dollars worth of cargo across thousands of miles of American streets. Often, a truck driver on the wide open roads of the continental United States is susceptible to crimes like theft and assault without ready support from police departments.  

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, no laws expressly forbid truckers from carrying guns in their semi-trucks. However, truckers must adhere to state laws regarding vehicle-borne weapons. For instance, states like California require drivers to transport condition four handguns (empty chamber, unloaded). Moreover, weapons must be in a locked container or the vehicle’s trunk. 

Of course, some conditions may prevent a truck driver from carrying a firearm in their commercial vehicle even if they want to. For instance, a felony conviction will more than likely prevent a driver of any kind from owning and carrying a gun. As you might imagine a felony conviction means no firearm in the rig.

Still, felons can get their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and drive big rigs. However, like the topic of gun-toting truckers in the first place, having a CDL and a felony is conditional. Women in Trucking says that certain felony charges will prevent an applicant from getting a CDL. For instance, any commercial vehicle felony or a felony driving under the influence (DUI) charge can disqualify a CDL application.

Moreover, while your 2nd Amendment rights give you the right to own a firearm as a law-abiding adult, the style of weapon you carry matters. For instance, a trucker could be fine carrying a licensed, magazine-fed handgun in a state that allows it. However, that same trucker would be in hot water if they transported an unregistered class-three destructive device, they’re looking at a federal crime.

Source: Driver Resource Center, Women in Trucking

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).