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Regardless of your thoughts on gun ownership, you have the right to bear arms in the United States of America. However, the way you bear your arms, so to speak, can land you in seriously hot water with the police. In fact, if you violate some of the common laws regarding the way you keep a gun in your car, you could incur a nasty weapon charge.

It doesn’t matter that you legally own your gun, keeping it in your car in the wrong way can land you in trouble with the cops

You can keep a gun in your car. That is, as long as you mind your state and local laws. Well, that and the weapon in your vehicle must be your legal right. However, you might end up in hot water should you violate any of these gun-in-your-car faux pas.  

  • Keeping your weapon in condition one
  • The style of your gun isn’t allowable in the state you’re traveling through
  • Storing your firearm in the same place as your ammunition
  • You must report your stolen gun to the police

Your firearm functions in conditions, typically four through one. Condition one often refers to a weapon with a loaded chamber, with or without a safety. However, some states forbid gun owners from keeping their firearms in condition one. As a result, keeping a condition one weapon in your car could land you in trouble with the police.

Traveling with your firearm can cause trouble with the authorities. For instance, if you drive with a magazine-fed weapon from Nevada into California, you could be violating California gun laws.

Moreover, storing your gun in your car in the same location as your ammunition might get you into trouble with the authorities. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state and local laws to avoid getting into hot water with the authorities. 

Finally, and obviously, keeping your gun in your car invites theft. Consequently, a criminal might steal your weapon out of your car regardless of its status. Unfortunately, beyond the pain of a stolen firearm, you must report it to the authorities. Failing to do so may result in charges should your gun be used in a crime.

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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).