If you have reason to move a firearm, whether you are moving or selling it to someone else, there are specific rules you must follow. While it is legal to own a weapon on private property, there are unique rules about transporting firearms. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

Conditions That Must Be Met to Legally Transport Firearms

According to California law, it is legal to transport a handgun if the person doing so is a United States citizen, is over 18 years old, and lives either temporarily or permanently in the state of California - and as long as the following conditions are met.

• The firearm must be unloaded
• The firearm must be locked in the truck or another locked container within the vehicle
• The firearm is being carried directly to or from the vehicle for a lawful purpose and within a locked container

What the Law Means by “Locked Container”

Note that when the law refers to locked containers, they are referring to containers that are fully enclosed and that have a lock holding them shut. A trunk can be a container to transport a firearm, but a glove compartment cannot be. If a vehicle does not have a trunk (such as a truck or Jeep), the gun must be in a locked container within the vehicle. Note that RVs and motorhomes are motor vehicles and the same rules apply.

There Are Different Rules for Different Firearms

Note that the above rules apply to handguns. If you are moving a shotgun, or rifle, or another non-concealable weapon, it does not need to be transported in a locked container. However, it must be unloaded. If you have an assault weapon, it must be registered to be transported, can only be moved between specific places, must be unloaded, and must be stored in a locked container.

Situations in Which You Can Legally Transport a Firearm

You must have a legal reason to transport the firearm – you cannot simply keep it in a locked box. Examples of legal reasons include going to a shooting range, moving from one home to another, or going hunting. Again, you cannot carry it – even in a locked container – for general purposes in your vehicle. This includes self-defense.

Do You Have Questions About Legally Transporting a Firearm?

If you have reason to transport a firearm and you need help from an attorney, we recommend contacting Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055. If you have been charged with a crime related to owning, possessing, or moving a firearm, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.