Can I carry ammo in my car?
Asked by: Carey Hudson | Last update: May 7, 2026Score: 5/5 (6 votes)
Yes, you can leave ammo in your car short-term, as modern ammunition won't explode from typical car heat (which isn't hot enough to ignite gunpowder), but consistent, long-term exposure to extreme heat and humidity can degrade its performance, affecting reliability, so it's best stored in cool, dry conditions, ideally separate from the firearm, or at least in an insulated container for short trips.
Can you travel with ammo in a car?
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition.
Will ammo be okay in a hot car?
Myth 3: Hot-car ammunition cannot be fired.
Fact: Ammunition stored briefly in a hot car is generally safe to fire as long as it shows no signs of physical damage, such as corrosion or deformities.
Does ammo need to be locked in a car?
By law, the ammo case doesn't need to be locked, but it's not a bad idea to throw a padlock on there just in case. At a glance, here's what you need to know about carrying a gun in your vehicle: It must be unloaded and stored in a separate case from your ammo.
How many rounds of ammo can you travel with?
You are allowed a maximum of 5 kg/11 pounds of ammunition per person. This is international law. The TSA states you can place ammo in the gun case, or in your other checked bag.
Should You Cycle Out Your Carry Ammo?
How many bullets can you legally carry?
The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...
Can ammo be in the same case as a gun?
Ammunition may be in a magazine or clip, but it must be completely enclosed. Ammunition can be stored in the same locked, hard-sided case as the firearm, but loose rounds (not packed in a box or container) are not accepted.
Where is the safest place to store ammo?
Store ammunition, reloading supplies, and firearms in separate locked compartments. Keep all ammunition away from flammables. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion. Corroded ammunition can cause jamming, misfires, and other safety problems.
Can you get in trouble for having ammo?
Under California Penal Code Section 30305, it is a felony for a person prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm to own or possess ammunition or reloaded ammunition.
Can you carry a gun across state lines?
The short answer is yes, you can legally carry a gun across state lines in the United States – but there are very specific federal laws and state regulations that you must follow to remain fully compliant.
How long can ammo stay in a car?
Store Ammo in Proper Temperatures
Passing exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage in a narrow timeframe. Temperatures between 55° and 85° F are recommended for keeping ammunition fresh. Leaving ammo in a car for one or two days in extreme temperatures is unlikely to cause damage, so don't throw it away.
Will I get in trouble for having more than a 10 round mag?
Yes, you can get in trouble for possessing a magazine over 10 rounds, as it depends heavily on your state and local laws, with many states like California, New York, and others banning them, while federal law doesn't have a universal ban, but some states have ongoing legal challenges to their bans. Penalties vary from fines (infractions) to jail time (misdemeanor or felony), and can include confiscation, so it's crucial to check your specific jurisdiction's laws regarding possession, sale, and manufacturing.
Can I leave my gun in my car at work?
Employers remain free to prohibit guns within the actual confines of the workplace, but not in the workplace parking lot, even if it is company-owned and operated. As for telling your employer, in some states employers can require employees to give notice that they carry guns in their vehicles.
Is it legal to drive around with a loaded gun?
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a secure container unless the person is exempt, such as licensed security or law enforcement. Even when legally owned, a loaded gun in a car is unlawful without a concealed carry permit.
What happens to ammo left in a hot car?
Ammunition Can Be Damaged in a Hot Car
Once temperatures reach around 150 degrees, which is about the temperature in a car's trunk during summer, although unlikely, the propellant in your ammo can be damaged. This could keep ammo from igniting properly when you fire the gun.
How many rounds can you legally own?
There's no single federal limit on ammo quantity for individuals in the U.S., but state and local laws vary greatly, with some states like New York and California having specific rules on magazine capacity or requiring background checks for ammo purchases, while places like South Africa have possession limits (e.g., 200 rounds), so you must check your local regulations.
Does ammo have to be locked when driving?
The first condition is that any firearms you're transporting must be unloaded and locked in the trunk of the vehicle or in another container that's out of reach or not immediately accessible. Any ammunition must also be locked in the trunk or another container. This doesn't include the glove box or center console.
Can ammo be traced back to the buyer?
Serialization and Microstamping
At the time of purchase, the code or serial number would be recorded along with the purchaser's information by a licensed dealer. Later, when a bullet or cartridge case is found at a crime scene, the bullet or spent cartridge could be quickly traced back to the purchaser.
Is it cheaper to buy ammo in store?
Generally, buying ammo online in bulk is cheaper per round than in-store due to lower overhead for online retailers and free shipping thresholds, but in-store can be cheaper for small quantities or during specific sales, with big-box stores sometimes beating online deals, so it depends on your purchase volume and local store promotions.
How long does a bullet last in storage?
If stored properly — in an area that is cool and dry — FMJ bullets can last up to 10 years without any loss in performance or accuracy. Some may last even longer if you take the time to create proper ammunition storage. On the other hand, JSPs have a much shorter shelf life due to their exposed lead tips.
Is it better to store ammo in plastic or metal?
Metal ammo cans offer superior durability, security, and heat resistance, making them great for long-term storage, while plastic cans are lighter, cheaper, won't rust, and are ideal for range use or less extreme transport, with many users combining both types for different needs. For storing volatile items like gunpowder, plastic is safer as metal cans can become dangerous in a fire, whereas plastic melts, releasing pressure, but never store powder or primers in a sealed metal can.
Can you carry ammo in a car?
There is no prohibition in the state codes against also carrying ammunition within the same motor vehicle or compartment in the vehicle, as long as the firearms are not loaded and ammunition is not attached in any manner to the firearm.
Where not to store ammo?
High temperatures and heat cycling
Cycling between hot and cold environments frequently can accelerate ammo deterioration as well, so an unheated attic in the winter that gets hot in the summer (or a garage with similar conditions) is a terrible place for long-term ammo storage.
How much ammo can you drive with?
There is no set limit on the amount of ammunition you can own in California, provided that you're legally allowed to possess ammunition, the ammunition itself is legal in the state, it was acquired lawfully, and it is stored properly.