Firearm Owner’s Protection Act (FOPA): This federal law offers protections for transporting firearms through restrictive states, but compliance with specific requirements is mandatory.
Key Legal Transport Requirements of FOPA:
Legal Location Travel: Transport must begin and end in places where firearm possession is legal.
Unloaded Firearms: Firearms must be Unloaded during transport.
Separate Storage: Firearms and ammunition must be stored separately.
Inaccessibility: Firearms should not be accessible from the vehicle’s passenger area. In vehicles without a trunk, a locked, hard-sided case is required.
Continuous Transit: Transit through restrictive states should be uninterrupted, ideally under 24 hours.
Tourist vs. Transporter: The law is unclear on how long one can stay in a state while transporting firearms. Activities resembling tourism may not be protected under FOPA.
State-Specific Restrictions: Some states, like New York, New Jersey, and California, have stricter laws. FOPA doesn’t cover transport of items banned by state law, such as high-capacity magazines or assault designated weapons.
Vehicle-Specific Guidelines: In vehicles without trunks, firearms must be in a locked container separate from the glove compartment or console.
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Firearms laws vary by state and jurisdiction, so it’s essential to consult legal experts or local authorities before transporting firearms.