What Gun Laws Should You Check Before Traveling to Another State?
Planning to travel armed? Good. Now double-check you’re doing it legally.
Every armed American knows the laws aren’t the same from one state to the next. And when you're crossing state lines—whether for a quick gas stop or an overnight stay—you need to know which laws can land you in hot water.
I've compiled for you a list of critical laws that change from state to state, and guess what? Our ConcealedCarry.com mobile app tracks all of them, for all 50 states. It’s the easiest way to stay legal, stay armed, and stay confident while traveling.
Table of Contents
🚨 The Laws You Must Check—Even If You’re Just Passing Through
Even if you’re just filling up with gas or grabbing a coffee, these laws can affect you the second you cross the state line.
Permit Reciprocity
Does the state you're entering honor your concealed carry permit? If not, does the state allow permitless (constitutional) carry?
Knowing if they honor your permit or not gives you a foundation of understanding right away. Without reciprocity, you are limited in authority to whatever that state would allow non-permitees to do. In the case you are in a state that doesn't honor your permit but does offer constitutional carry, including for non-residents, remember that in many cases there are additional restrictions for those without a valid permit.
Vehicle Possession Without a Recognized Permit
If a state doesn’t honor your permit, can you still legally have a firearm in your vehicle? This is the first thing I always check when I'm crossing state lines and traveling through a state.
Example: In Illinois, if you can legally carry a concealed firearm in your home state you can carry a loaded concealed firearm within your vehicle.
Duty to Notify Law Enforcement
In some states, you're legally required to inform an officer you're armed if you're pulled over. In others, it's only required to present the permit if you are asked. Given that you are traveling through the state by car there is always the possibility that you could be stopped by law enforcement.
Example: Nebraska requires you to notify the officer upon official contact or when ID is requested.
Magazine Capacity Limits
Some states ban magazines that hold more than a certain number of rounds.
Example: Rhode Island states that magazines of a capacity of more than 10 are illegal.
🧭 Additional Laws to Know if You’re Spending Any Time in the State
If you plan to stop in town, eat at a restaurant, stay at a hotel, or visit a friend—these laws become even more important.
Guns in Hotels
Some states regulate whether firearms are allowed in hotel rooms or how they must be stored. Before you pull off the road and rent a bed be sure to check on this one.
Example: In Wisconsin, firearms are prohibited in hotels unless you possess a valid and recognized permit and are not consuming alcohol.
Firearms on College Campuses
It can be really easy to even accidentally drive onto or through a campus. Some of the best restaurants are often just across the street from a college campus, and you may not even realize you have driven through or parked on a college property. Of course, in many state,s the policy could be up to the individual school, further complicating the situation for you.
Example: In Louisiana, possession of a firearm on any school property—including universities—is a serious offense, even if the firearm stays in your vehicle.
Carrying in State Parks
Every state handles this differently. Some allow carry, others don’t. Since Federal law also dictates that anything operating by the National Park Service will basically have the same firearm regulations as the state parks, knowing this information is important when traveling into or through a state or National park.
Example: In Maine, Carry in State Parks and Acadia National Park is legal ONLY with an honored permit. Open carry is not permitted.
Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
Some states allow carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, but not if you're drinking. Others ban carry altogether in any establishment where alcohol is served. It can actually be among the most confusing bit of gun law I research. These days almost every decent restaurant has a bar so knowing these regulations is key if you plan to do any dining.
Example: New Mexico says firearms in establishments that have a license for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages are unlawful, UNLESS you have a valid permit and the restaurant derives no less than sixty percent of its annual revenue from the sale of food AND they sell only beer and wine… no hard liquor.
Statewide Preemption (Uniformity of Laws)
Knowing whether local jurisdictions can override state law is critical.
Example: In Maryland, there isn't perfect uniformity. There are many local ordinances that go above and beyond the state laws.
✅ The Easy Way to Stay Legal in Every State
There’s a reason we built the ConcealedCarry.com mobile app—to give responsibly armed citizens like you an easy, trustworthy legal reference that fits in your pocket.
With the app, you can:
- Instantly check reciprocity
- Review laws for all 50 states
- Know when and how to notify law enforcement
- Understand vehicle possession, magazine limits, restaurant carry, and more
Whether you’re planning a vacation or just driving across state lines for work, our app helps you carry legally and confidently.
No cost. No ads. Just peace of mind for the road ahead.
If for whatever reason, you don't like the awesome free app, please note that the same legal information can also be found here on this website in our main menu and we also sell a physical gun law book, updated a few times a year, that has most of the same information as well.
One last thought before you chime into the comments below! While this article is focused on state laws that vary and impact travelers, it is worth noting one Federal Law, Article 926 of FOPA, protects your ability to TRANSPORT firearms across the country regardless of the local laws. It isn't a perfect shield to any potential breaking of local laws but it is something you should be familiar with. Learn more here.
