Federal Firearms Transportation Laws

Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 aka “The Peaceable Journey Law”
This act allows a person to transport a firearm through states in which he or she does not hold a valid permit, as long as he or she may lawfully carry (whether by permit, constitutional carry, etc.) in the state of origin as well as the destination. The owner of the firearm must be in transit and not stay in the state where possession would be illegal. Furthermore, the firearm must be unloaded and contained in a locked box or out of the driver’s reach, unless state law allows otherwise. It is recommended that ammunition be in a separate, preferably locked container. In some states, the drivers must pass through the state without stopping, and in others only short stops are tolerated. Consult the USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity and Gun Law Map to determine what laws apply to you for every state along your route.

The act does not allow the owner to use his or her firearm for defense during transit.

Fed Interstate 18 USC § 926A — Vehicle carry unloaded and secured
These sections of the code were intended to protect the passage of travelers (who can legally possess a firearm) to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry such firearm. The firearm must be unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition can be readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. It is recommended that ammunition be in a separate, preferably locked container.