Skip to main content

Depending on your legal status and the condition of your firearm, you’re likely well within your rights to transport a gun in your car. However, for personal defense, you might want to carry a gun on your person rather than in a range bag or in-car gun safe. So, can you legally concealed carry a handgun in your car? Or do you have to safely secure it in a locking container?

If you’re licensed to carry or in a permitless concealed carry state, you can carry your gun on your person while driving a car

If you have a license to carry (LTC) or similar license, you are legally allowed to conceal a firearm on your person. That includes driving your car with a handgun in an inner waistband (IWB) holster. 

Still, in permitless carry states, citizens who are legally permitted to own a handgun can conceal one on their person, even while driving a car. Here are a few of the states that allow permitless concealed carry. 

  • Texas
  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Kentucky
  • Florida
  • Maine
  • South Carolina

All in all, 29 states allow permitless concealed carry. However, concealed is just one style of carriage for gun owners, per Handgunlaw. 36 U.S. states allow open carry, another permitless option. However, as the name suggests, open carry involves openly brandishing a firearm. That means using a holster like a shoulder or hip setup to carry your gun while in your car. 

That said, when a police officer stops a motorist with a gun in the car, they may ask about it. You’ll need to inform the officer about your weapon, giving them details like its location, type, and status. 

Keep in mind that leaving a firearm in a parked car is seldom a good idea. Any unsupervised firearm is a target for theft. And unlike valuables like jewelry or fashion items, a stolen firearm could pose a safety risk to the community at large. Responsible gun ownership is the responsibility of every firearm owner.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
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).