Can I Keep a Firearm in My Car?

Firearm in glove compartment of car

New York has some of the strictest laws and regulations regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms in the country. Because of this, it’s critical that every New Yorker who owns or is interested in owning a gun understands the law so they can best protect themselves.

Transporting a Firearm in New York

In order to legally transport any type of loaded gun in your car, you must possess a valid New York Permit to Carry. If you don’t have a permit, it is illegal to transport a gun (whether loaded or unloaded) in a car.

No matter your permit status, New York prohibits some types of firearms and accessories from being owned or transported, such as magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition.

New York vs. New York City

New York is unique from many other states in that it doesn’t have one set of gun laws for the entire state. If you live in New York City, you must abide by different or additional laws regarding the transportation of guns and firearms.

Within the five boroughs (the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), it’s very difficult to acquire a permit that allows you to regularly carry and transport firearms. Most often, these permits are reserved for law enforcement.

Exceptions to the Law

There are a few times when exceptions will be made for people passing through New York, so long as the states they’re traveling to and from allow them to legally carry the firearm they’re in possession of. Typically, in this scenario, the firearm must be stored in the trunk and unloaded. If the vehicle doesn’t have a trunk, the firearm must be stored in a locked container that is not the glove compartment or console.

New York takes illegal gun possession very seriously. If you need a reliable gun crime attorney, put your trust in Kenneth E. Belkin, Esq.. For a free consultation, call (718) 395-6755 today.