As Americans emerge from one of the longest hibernations of their lives—2020—many soon will be taking to the road in cars and RVs as they make up for a lost year of travel and vacation. For those who choose to carry firearms on their journeys, it is prudent to know the rules before crossing state lines or a country’s borders. The last thing you need to find out the hard way is that a law that wasn’t in place in 2020 could land you in jail in 2021.
That’s where the annually updated edition of J. Scott Kappas’ "Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States" (now in its 25th year of publication) has America’s gun-toting travelers covered, with more than 100 updates since 2020, including new subheads in each state’s checklist detailing ammo-carry rules, and new online updates for conditional reciprocity states.
Practically every question you have about traveling with a firearm is answered in this book, including:
- Which states allow me to carry a “loaded” firearm in the passenger compartment of my vehicle?
- Which states allow me to carry a concealed firearm with or without a license to carry?
- Which states honor my permit to carry a concealed firearm?
- Which states allow carry in restaurants serving alcohol?
- Which states prohibit the mere possession of a handgun while in a vehicle?
- Which states require permittees to declare their status to Law Enforcement?
- How can I legally possess firearms in National Parks and Forests?
- Which states allow me to carry a firearm in their state parks?
- How can I transport firearms on commercial airline, cruise ships & trains?
- How can I transport firearms through a state that prohibits any gun possession?
- How do I carry a firearm if I am an active duty or retired law enforcement officer?
- How do I carry a handgun on a motorcycle?
- What are the rules for gun possession in hotels?
- What are the rules for ammunition possession in each state?
- What are the rules for gun carry in Airport terminals?
- What are the rules for gun carry when “boondocking” in an RV?
As many avid hunters and travelers also visit the nation’s northern and southern neighbors, the 68-page "Traveler’s Guide" includes detailed information for trips to Canada and Mexico. The guide retails for $14.95 (including shipping), and can be purchased at gunlawguide.com.
Examples of individual state pages:
