Can I carry a firearm or other concealed weapon in my commercial vehicle?

Under federal law (18 U.S.C. sec. 926A; 27 CFR 478.38), you generally are allowed to transport a firearm from one place in the country to another if:

• You are not prohibited from owning a firearm in either place (for example, convicts may not carry firearms);
• You comply with the firearms laws in the starting and ending states (for example, you may need a permit from each of the two states);
• You are transporting the firearm for a lawful purpose;
• The firearm is unloaded; and
• The firearm and ammunition are not readily accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment (such as a sleeper berth), the firearm or ammunition must be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

The carrying of firearms is regulated at the federal level by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. In addition, state and local governments have their own concealed-weapons laws. Given the sensitivity of the subject, and to be safe, you should check on the laws in each and every state through which you will be transporting the weapon. You may want to start with the State Patrol in your state. In addition, be sure to check with your company for any policies that may prevent you from carrying a weapon.

Remember: If you will be traveling with a gun, never carry it along the door or on the seat, and never carry it loaded!