Gun laws and the regulation of concealed carry permits are topics that have generated a lot of interest across the nation. Laws vary greatly from state to state. What may be lawful in Minnesota may be unlawful in another state, including, but not limited to, the ability to lawfully carry a firearm, openly or concealed, with or without a permit.
Even for neighboring states, the laws on carrying in your vehicle with or without a permit may vary.
In Minnesota, and the surrounding states which include North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, open carry is legal. However, in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, a person must have a permit to carry a handgun openly, as well as concealed.
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In South Dakota and Wisconsin, open carry without a permit is legal, although there may be other laws and ordinances in regards to the allowance of open carry in certain places in those states.
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin are all "shall-issue" states in regards to the issuance of permits or licenses which allow for the carrying of a handgun concealed. In South Dakota, training is not mandated before applying for the permit.
Specific to a motor vehicle in Minnesota, carrying a handgun in a vehicle, whether as the driver or passenger, loaded or unloaded, concealed or open is lawful with a valid permit. Without a permit the unloaded handgun must be transported in a closed and fastened case, gun box, or securely tied package.
The term "loaded" in Minnesota means the handgun has ammunition in the chamber or magazine, if the magazine is in the firearm, unless the firearm is incapable of being fired by a child who is likely to gain access to the firearm. A "child" means a person under the age of 18 years.
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In North Dakota, it is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle without a permit. The term "unloaded" means the chamber of a handgun does not contain a round. In a revolver, none of the chambers can contain a round. Handguns with a removable magazine must also have the magazine empty or removed.
In South Dakota, only a permit holder can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle. The South Dakota Attorney General gave his opinion that openly carrying a handgun in a vehicle without a permit is not considered concealed.
In Iowa, you must have a permit to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Otherwise, the handgun must be taken down or contained in a securely fastened case with any attached magazines unloaded, as well.
Finally in Wisconsin, you can carry an unconcealed handgun in a vehicle except if you come within 1000 feet of a school, then it must be unloaded and secured.
The federal law for the interstate transportation of handguns is lawful when the unloaded handgun is in a locked container not readily accessible by any of the occupants (excluding the glove box or console) such as the trunk, completely separated from ammunition.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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