When transporting firearms across state lines you may want to review the Federal Firearms Act especially hunting other states.
Under Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), the transportation of firearms by vehicle is something everyone should be aware of when crossing states that are not "firearms friendly". The key provision of the Federal Firearms Act is the statement "locked" that is easily overlooked when transporting a firearm. The term "Locked" is exactly what it means. I did have a friend from CO coming through IL and was stopped just because he had CO plates and his truck looked suspicious. Luckily his rifle was actually padlocked in the case which was an interesting conversation. Some enforcement perceives locked everywhere in the vehicle. I know we recognize the inaccessible but from my perspective I just lock my cases so no gray area interpretation can be made. Why take the chance to have a delay or even aw crap with an overly ambitious LEO?
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FOPA:
A provision of the federal law known as the Firearms Owners' Protection Act, or FOPA, protects those who are transporting firearms for lawful purposes from local restrictions which would otherwise prohibit passage.
Under FOPA, notwithstanding any state or local law, a person is entitled to transport a firearm 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 it, if the firearm is unloaded and locked out of reach. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Ammunition that is either locked out of reach in the trunk or in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console is also covered.
Travelers should be aware that some state and local governments treat this federal provision as an "affirmative defense" that may only be raised after an arrest. All travelers in areas with restrictive laws would be well advised to have copies of any applicable firearm licenses or permits, as well as copies or printouts from the relevant jurisdictions' official publications or websites documenting pertinent provisions of law (including FOPA itself) or reciprocity information. In the event of an unexpected or extended delay, travelers should make every effort not to handle any luggage containing firearms unnecessarily and to secure it in a location where they do not have ready access to it.
TRANSPORTATION BY MOTOR VEHICLE
In most states, firearms may be transported legally if they are unloaded, cased, and locked in the automobile trunk or otherwise inaccessible to the driver or any passenger. The exceptions to this rule apply mainly to transportation of handguns and so-called "assault weapons." The myriad and conflicting legal requirements for firearm transportation through the states make caution the key for travelers of which you must consult local law.
If you travel with a trailer or camper that is hauled by an automobile, it is advisable to transport the firearms unloaded, cased and locked in the trunk of the car. If your vehicle is of the type in which driving and living spaces are not separated, the problem becomes one of access. If the firearm is carried on or about the person, or placed in the camper where it is readily accessible to the driver or any passenger, state and local laws regarding concealed carrying of firearms may apply. It is recommended, therefore, that the firearm be transported unloaded, cased, and placed in a locked rear compartment of the camper or mobile home, where it is inaccessible to the driver or any passenger.
Generally, a mobile home is considered a home if it is not attached to a towing vehicle, and is permanently attached to utilities, placed on blocks, or otherwise parked in such a manner that it cannot immediately be started up and used as a vehicle.
Once you reach your destination, state and local law will govern the ownership, possession, and transportation of your firearms.