Weapon in Vehicle Rules by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether a handgun may be carried concealed in a vehicle (with or without a permit), whether it may be loaded, and whether a locked container or specific storage is required for transport.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Concealed Allowed	Loaded Allowed	Container Required
Yes (permit)	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
No	No	Yes (unloaded)
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Yes (permit)	Yes if no permit
Permit only	Yes (permit)	Yes if no permit
Yes (securely enc.)	Yes	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Yes (FOID/CCL)	Yes (CCL)	Yes/encased
Yes	Yes	No
Yes (permit)	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
No	No	Yes/unloaded
LTC only	LTC only	Yes if no LTC
CPL only	CPL only	Yes if no CPL
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
No	No	Yes/unloaded
Permit only	Yes	Yes if no permit
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
LTCF only	LTCF only	Yes if no LTCF
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
CWP only	CWP only	Yes if no CWP
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Yes	Yes if no permit
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit
Yes	Yes	No
Permit only	Permit only	Yes if no permit

The Firearm Owners Protection Act (18 USC §926A) provides limited federal protection for interstate transport of a firearm if legal at origin and destination and stored unloaded in a locked container separate from ammunition. The Bruen decision (NYSRPA v. Bruen, 2022) has invalidated several state may-issue carry restrictions but not transport rules. Loaded handgun in passenger compartment is typically the trigger for additional restrictions.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.