People want to know, can truckers carry guns?” The answer is that in general, truckers are not permitted to carry guns in their vehicles unless they have a valid permit or license in the jurisdiction they are operating in and are transporting the firearm for lawful purposes.  With that said, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) doesn’t actually have any regulations that specifically prohibit CMV drivers from carrying firearms, there are a number of other factors that can affect the legality of doing so.

The specific rules, laws, and regulations may vary depending on the state in which the trucker operates. It is important for truckers to be aware of the laws in the jurisdictions they travel through and to comply with any restrictions on carrying firearms.

  1. No Concealed Carry for TruckersFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations:
    • The FMCSA generally prohibits commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from carrying a firearm in the CMV unless they:
      • Have a valid permit or license to carry a firearm in the jurisdiction in which they are operating
      • Are transporting the firearm for lawful purposes, such as hunting or self-defense
  2. Concealed Carry Reciprocity:
    • The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 allows individuals with concealed carry permits from their home state to legally carry concealed weapons in other states that recognize those permits. However, this act does not apply to CMV drivers.
  3. State Laws:
    • State laws vary regarding the legality of carrying firearms by truckers. Some states have laws that specifically allow truckers to carry guns in their vehicles, while others have laws that prohibit it.

Additional Information:

  • Truckers who have a valid permit or license to carry a firearm may still be subject to additional restrictions on the transportation of firearms in CMV. For example, some states require firearms to be unloaded and locked in a separate container while being transported in a CMV.
  • Some trucking companies may have policies that prohibit their drivers from carrying firearms in company vehicles. It is important for truckers to check with their employers regarding their policies.

The Peaceable Journey Law

Follow State Federal Local Gun Laws for TruckersThe Peaceable Journey Law provides that individuals who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law may transport a firearm through a state in which they do not have a license to carry a firearm, provided that the firearm is unloaded and securely stored in a locked container.

This law was enacted as part of the National Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986. It is intended to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners who are traveling through states with more restrictive gun laws.

State Laws

While the Peaceable Journey Law allows individuals to transport firearms through states where they do not have a license to carry, it is important to note that states may have their own laws regarding the transportation of firearms.

For example, many states require that firearms be unloaded and stored in a locked container while being transported in a vehicle. Some states also have restrictions on the types of firearms that can be transported.

Truck drivers should be aware of the gun laws in the states they are traveling through and comply with any additional requirements.

Local Laws and Ordinances

It is important to be aware that local laws and ordinances related to firearms may differ from state laws. A growing number of cities are enforcing ordinances to ban certain guns. These ordinances are introduced by individual cities or counties, so it is important to look up the policies in the specific locality you are visiting.

For example, Chicago has an ordinance that bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This ordinance is more restrictive than Illinois state law, which only bans assault weapons. As a result, truck drivers who are transporting firearms through Chicago must comply with the city’s ordinance, even if they are not subject to the state law.

Truck drivers should be aware of the local laws and ordinances in the jurisdictions they travel through and comply with any restrictions on firearms. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalties, or even arrest.

Recommendations for Truck Drivers

To ensure compliance with both federal and state laws, truck drivers who are transporting firearms should:

  • Unload and store the firearm in a locked container while it is being transported in the CMV
  • Keep the firearm out of reach in the vehicle
  • Be aware of the gun laws in the states they are traveling through and comply with any additional requirements

By following these recommendations, truck drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

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Please be aware. The information contained in this post does not constitute legal advice.