Most states require a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed gun in public, but did you know that in many states it takes more than a concealed carry permit to transport a firearm in your vehicle? These laws can vary from state to state. The steps you take to transport your gun legally and safely could be different depending on the vehicle you drive. SUVs, trucks, or cars, this guide will help you prepare your vehicle to conceal carry safely and confidently.
SUV
If you drive an SUV, you have no shortage of space to install a gun safe in your vehicle. There are gun safes that can be installed under SUV seats, in the rear cargo area, and in glove boxes. There is plenty of room to keep ammunition and firearms separate from passengers in an SUV, which means you can set up your vehicle in a way that is most convenient for your accessibility needs. Keep in mind the size of the firearm you plan to transport and you should have no trouble equipping your SUV with a vault or safe that meets your storage requirements.
Trucks
Trucks don’t have the benefit of space that SUVs enjoy, which can make it difficult to keep ammunition and firearms separate. If you have an extended cab pickup, then truck gun safes that can be installed under the rear seat are a great option for keeping you and your passengers safe. There is even a style of truck safe that can be installed behind the seat of a crew cab, so you can make the most of what little space you have. While driving, a gun must be unloaded and kept separate from ammunition, which means you’ll need a truck safe installed to keep the ammunition locked away. It might take some doing, but when all is said and done you and your passengers will be grateful for the space-saving benefits truck gun safes can provide.
Cars
While installing truck gun safes under rear seats is fine for truck owners, car owners who want to transport a firearm will have to look to their trunks for security. The trunk is a built-in feature that removes firearm access from a car’s passengers, and so in many states firearms must be locked away in the trunk. As with trucks and SUVs, ammunition and firearms must still be stored separately. A lockbox installed in the glove compartment or center console is a great option for doing so. Keep in mind, just because a trunk is locked doesn’t mean a gun is secure. A hard body, the locked gun case is always a good idea for both safety and security.
Regardless of what vehicle you drive, you should always know what the laws are in any state you plan on driving through. Some states require your gun to be completely broken down, unloaded, and locked away. Others mandate that a gun be not readily accessible during transport. If you travel extensively, it’s best practice to be prepared for the strictest state laws so that you’re never caught off guard. With a little time and preparation, you can be sure you’re always transporting legally and safely.