Travel Frequently Asked Questions
Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:48 am
This forum has seen three threads in the month of February regarding travel to Minnesota, Maryland and Indiana.
That prompted me to create this FAQ.
Rick's Unofficial Travel FAQ
Q.: I am traveling to another state and I am wondering if my Ohio CHl is valid there?
A.: There are two good web sites which have interactive maps which can show you in which states your Ohio CHL is valid. Those sites are Handgunlaws and USA Carry.
Q.: What is the difference between "honors" and "reciprocity"?
A.: "Reciprocity" means Ohio and another state have signed an agreement to honor each other's CCW permits (Ohio AG reciprocity page). Some states have decided to honor other states licenses without any reciprocity agreement which is why your Ohio CHL is valid in more states than those with which Ohio has a reciprocity agreement.
Q.: While I am in another state, do I follow Ohio's laws or the laws of the state I am visiting?
A.: Always obey the laws of the state you are visiting.
Q.: How can I find out the laws of any state I plan to visit?
A.: Several web sites provide synopses of state firearms laws which you can review and print out for your travels to other states. They are http://www.handgunlaw.us/, http://www.usacarry.com/index.php, and http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/.
Q:. Can I travel with a firearm on an airplane?
A.: Yes, but you must follow the TSA guidelines shown here: TSA guidelines.
In addition, the TSA recommends checking with the airline for additional policies the airline might have about traveling with a firearm. Since not all airline personnel understand firearms policies, printing and carrying both the airline's policy and the TSA policy is a good idea.
Q:. Can I travel with a firearm on Amtrak?
A.: No. Amtrak policy forbids firearms in both checked and carry-on baggage.
Q.: Can I travel with a firearm on a Greyhound bus?
A.: No. Greyhound's list of prohibited items includes firearms.
Q.: Isn't there a Federal law that is supposed to protect travelers with firearms?
A.: Yes. The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) offers some protection. The NRA Gun Laws web site describes it like this: "Notwithstanding any state or local law, a person shall be entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearm if the firearm is unloaded and in the trunk. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm shall be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console."
That prompted me to create this FAQ.
Rick's Unofficial Travel FAQ
Q.: I am traveling to another state and I am wondering if my Ohio CHl is valid there?
A.: There are two good web sites which have interactive maps which can show you in which states your Ohio CHL is valid. Those sites are Handgunlaws and USA Carry.
Q.: What is the difference between "honors" and "reciprocity"?
A.: "Reciprocity" means Ohio and another state have signed an agreement to honor each other's CCW permits (Ohio AG reciprocity page). Some states have decided to honor other states licenses without any reciprocity agreement which is why your Ohio CHL is valid in more states than those with which Ohio has a reciprocity agreement.
Q.: While I am in another state, do I follow Ohio's laws or the laws of the state I am visiting?
A.: Always obey the laws of the state you are visiting.
Q.: How can I find out the laws of any state I plan to visit?
A.: Several web sites provide synopses of state firearms laws which you can review and print out for your travels to other states. They are http://www.handgunlaw.us/, http://www.usacarry.com/index.php, and http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/.
Q:. Can I travel with a firearm on an airplane?
A.: Yes, but you must follow the TSA guidelines shown here: TSA guidelines.
In addition, the TSA recommends checking with the airline for additional policies the airline might have about traveling with a firearm. Since not all airline personnel understand firearms policies, printing and carrying both the airline's policy and the TSA policy is a good idea.
Q:. Can I travel with a firearm on Amtrak?
A.: No. Amtrak policy forbids firearms in both checked and carry-on baggage.
Q.: Can I travel with a firearm on a Greyhound bus?
A.: No. Greyhound's list of prohibited items includes firearms.
Q.: Isn't there a Federal law that is supposed to protect travelers with firearms?
A.: Yes. The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) offers some protection. The NRA Gun Laws web site describes it like this: "Notwithstanding any state or local law, a person shall be entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and transport such firearm if the firearm is unloaded and in the trunk. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm shall be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console."