Can you carry on an unloaded gun?
Asked by: Edmund Pacocha | Last update: February 16, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (39 votes)
Yes, you can carry an unloaded gun, but how depends heavily on the situation (flying, driving, walking) and always requires following strict, specific rules, especially regarding secure, locked containers and declaring it to authorities, as laws vary significantly by location (state, city, country) and transport method. For air travel, it must be in checked luggage, unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case, and declared to the airline. For driving, regulations differ, often requiring it in a locked container, separate from ammo, but laws vary by state.
Can you carry an unloaded gun on a plane?
You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.
What is unlawful carry in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, unlawful carry generally means possessing a firearm (concealed or unconcealed) without proper authorization, such as lacking a Handgun License (when required), being a prohibited person (felon, minor, etc.), or carrying in specific prohibited locations like courthouses (unless a judge), federal buildings, bars, or school property (unless locked in a vehicle). While the Self-Defense Act allows carry for many, exceptions and prohibited zones exist, with penalties for violations including fines and jail time, depending on the offense.
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.
Can I carry a gun in NC without a permit?
Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit, if you can legally own a firearm. You must be at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. The state places no limits on weapon caliber size or magazine capacity.
The Truth About Flying With A Gun
Can I keep a gun in my glove box in North Carolina?
Yes. If your glove box is unlocked and you're carrying a handgun, North Carolina law considers this concealed carry. You must have a valid concealed carry permit to store a firearm there legally. A locked glove box or trunk, however, is acceptable without a permit because the weapon is not readily accessible.
Can I open carry without a holster in NC?
Open carry simply means openly carrying a firearm in public. The gun must be clearly visible, often in a holster on your hip or shoulder. With open carry, your firearm is out in the open for all to see. You don't need a permit in North Carolina as long as you're legally allowed to possess the gun.
Can I ride around with my gun?
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.
Do I need to disclose if I'm carrying?
In the hard duty to inform states, you have to inform an officer that you are armed without being asked. In some states, a person is only required to disclose that they are carrying if asked by a police officer but otherwise don't have to.
What is the fine for having an unregistered gun?
Penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm vary greatly by jurisdiction (state/country) and circumstances (prior offenses, loaded/concealed, type of gun), but generally range from hefty fines and probation to significant felony prison time, potentially years or even decades, especially if it's a prohibited weapon or linked to other crimes. Expect misdemeanor charges for simple cases but felony charges and harsher sentences with aggravating factors like a prior felony conviction.
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
Categories of law
Permissive open carry states. A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws, with few exceptions. They allow open carry for all nonprohibited citizens and do not require a permit or license to carry firearms openly. Open carry is fully lawful on foot.
What happens if I forget to declare my gun?
Forgetting a gun in your carry-on baggage before heading to the airport is more common than many people think—but it can still lead to serious legal consequences. If TSA discovers a gun in your bag during screening, you may face criminal charges, fines, and delays in your travel, even if it was an honest mistake.
Can you carry an unloaded gun across state lines?
Under the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), federal law permits you to transport a firearm for lawful purposes from any place where you may legally possess it to any other place you may legally possess it, as long as the firearm is unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container.
Are truckers allowed to carry a gun?
Federal Legal Framework
The FMCSA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) do not prohibit truck drivers from possessing firearms in commercial motor vehicles. However, truckers must follow the same federal firearms laws that apply to any citizen transporting a weapon across state lines.
Does a holster count as concealed carry?
Yes, a holster is considered part of concealed carry when it hides a firearm from plain view, but the distinction between open and concealed carry often depends on if the firearm is visible or completely covered by clothing, with a holster being essential for discreet, hidden carry and safety, though some states allow holstered guns to be openly carried. The key factor is whether an ordinary observer can see the weapon; a holster helps conceal it under clothing (like inside the waistband or shoulder holsters) or in a pocket, making it "concealed," while an outside the waistband (OWB) holster might be considered "open carry" if not covered.
Can you get in trouble for carrying someone else's gun?
If you let them borrow yours, it still belongs to you, but they are still in violation of the law if they carry it or use it. If you do make a mistake in a situation like this, you could face legal charges for violating these laws, perhaps either at the state or federal level.
Do I have to disclose I have a firearm in my vehicle?
If state or local law imposes a duty to inform, you are required to disclose the presence of your firearm upon making contact with law enforcement. There are 12 states, along with the District of Columbia, that require you to inform immediately upon contact with law enforcement.
Do you keep your gun loaded when carrying?
Police officers as well as civilians with concealed carry licenses typically keep their guns loaded. If the gun is intended to be ready for immediate use, such as on a hunting trip, that's a good reason for it to be loaded. But if it's not necessary, store the ammunition and the firearm separately.
Can you walk out of a gun store with a gun?
You have to wait for a background check to clear. Some states they are "instant' they get cleared in 10-30 minutes. Others the gun will be held till clear or you need other permits and licenses that can take months to get.
Can TSA open my gun case?
Passengers may use any brand or type of lock to secure the case, including TSA-recognized locks. Under no circumstance will TSA open a firearm container.
Can I open carry in Walmart?
Open Carry of Firearms
Motivated by our desire to create a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we request that customers no longer openly carry firearms into Walmart or Sam's Club locations in states where open carry is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement.
Can I carry my gun in my pocket in NC?
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with any valid license/permit.
Where to put gun in car open carry nc?
When transporting firearms in your vehicle in North Carolina, strict legal requirements must be followed to ensure compliance with the law. Firearms should either be in plain view or securely stored in a locked compartment, such as the glove box, center console, or trunk.
Can I open carry without a holster in North Carolina?
North Carolina law allows people 18 and older to openly carry a firearm if they can own one legally and don't have felony convictions. As the term implies, “openly” carrying a firearm means it's visibly displayed. It could be holstered or in a sling, but if the gun can be seen plainly, it is “openly” carried.