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You might transport a shotgun in a car for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps it’s for self-defense. Conversely, it could be your favorite firearm for a specific type of hunting or target shooting. Whatever your purpose, you might be just fine traveling from point A to point B with your shotgun in a car, truck, or SUV. Just make sure you’re not breaking state, local, and federal law.

You can take a shotgun with you in your car as long as you adhere to federal, state, and local laws

Regardless of how you feel about gun ownership in the United States, you’re allowed to buy and own firearms. Of course, there are parameters. For instance, you have to be 18 years old to purchase a shotgun or rifle, per the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

As such, 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds can’t purchase a shotgun. Consequently, a driving-age teen who can’t legally purchase a long gun may get raised eyebrows from police should they have a shotgun in the car during a traffic stop. However, drivers who aren’t otherwise legally prohibited from possessing a firearm can drive with a shotgun in their car.

That said, some states have specific rules for high or large-capacity long guns. For instance, a magazine-fed shotgun with a detachable 20-shell magazine may need to be locked in a secure container depending on the state. Also, a shorter shotgun, like a Mossberg Shockwave, might be illegal in a state like California. Still, law-abiding drivers should have no issues transporting their shotgun to their favorite hunting ground or range. 

However, leaving your shotgun in your car can be risky. For starters, firearms are a common target for theft. You’re even more likely to lose your firearm to a thieving opportunist if they can tell you own guns. Gun owners who leave a range bag or long gun sheath on their back seats, for example, are inviting theft. Also, broadcasting your affinity for firearm manufacturers and gun clubs with stickers can prompt a criminal to burgle your car.

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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).