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Under the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA)—18 U.S.C. § 926A—you’re allowed to transport a firearm through states where it may be illegal, as long as:
Origin and destination both permit lawful possession
The firearm is unloaded
It is stored in a locked container, not readily accessible lamarchesafrankolaw.com+13Saland Law+13Wikipedia+13The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman+2USCCA+2USCCA+2USCCAWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
This federal protection applies during continuous travel—limited stops for essentials are typically allowed .
Even with FOPA’s protection, NY imposes its own strict requirements:
The firearm must be unloaded
Stored in a locked container, separate from the ammo, and not accessible from the passenger area lamarchesafrankolaw.com+11GIFFORDS+11USCCA+11USCCA+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
If no trunk, use a lockbox away from the glove compartment or console USCCA+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Ammunition must also be locked up Handgunlaw+2USCCA+2Wikipedia+2
Leaving a firearm in a car unsecured or loaded can lead to presumptive possession charges—even if it isn’t yours GIFFORDS+1USCCA+1.
Traveling into or through NYC? Add these rules:
Firearms must be unloaded, in a locked case, and completely out of sight, even with you in the vehicle Saland Law+9Wikipedia+9The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman+9Gun Safety+1Gun Safety+1
For non-residents, transport is allowed only on a continuous, uninterrupted trip, without stopping for leisure or sightseeing Wikipedia+1GIFFORDS+1
For extended travel, apply at least 10 days in advance to the NYPD License Division to transport within the city CodeLibrary
Only permitted for those with the proper concealed carry or transport permit:
Must be unloaded, locked in a case, and not used during transport Handgunlaw+13The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman+13Gun Safety+13NRA-ILA+8Gun Safety+8Wikipedia+8
NYC mass transit—such as the subway and buses—requires the strictest compliance with local rules
If flying from or via NY:
Follow TSA rules: firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and checked—not carried on Gun Safety+2TSA+2Wikipedia+2
Ammo goes in checked luggage, inside a secure box or case TSA
Handguns require a NY State pistol permit—non-residents typically cannot obtain one Wikipedia+1lamarchesafrankolaw.com+1
Long guns do not require permits for possession, but must comply with SAFE Act definitions Wikipedia
Out-of-state permits are not recognized in NY GIFFORDS
NYC-concealed permits must be endorsed by the NYPD—NY State permits don’t automatically apply Wikipedia+1USCCA+1
Unlawful possession in a vehicle can be charged as a felony.
Even if FOPA applies, you could still face arrest—unless invoking FOPA as a defense USCCA+1Handgunlaw+1Wikipedia+2NRA-ILA+2Saland Law+2
In NYC, improper transport can lead to drug-style weapon charges and stiff prison time NRA-ILA+2TSA+2The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman+2