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Safe Storage and Travel
Gun safes, New York's safe storage law, the 4 safety rules, and flying and driving with a firearm.
Four short cards: your gun safe, the 4 safety rules, flying and driving. Plus New York's safe storage law in plain words.
Gun Safe
At times the NYPD requires you to send them pictures of your safe: one of the entire safe and one with the door open to see the contents inside.
Usually this applies if you own 4 or more guns. Some investigators will request these pictures even if you have only 1 or 2 firearms. It depends on the investigator.
A photo of the whole safe
A photo with the door open, showing what is inside
Your own photos. Not stock photos from the manufacturer or a website
Even if they may not require it, you should invest and get a safe. It is for the safety of yourself and your family.
Today (until January 18, 2027):
At home: if you live with someone under 18, or with someone who may not legally have a gun, any gun that is not on you or under your control must be locked in a safe or locked box, or have a gun lock on it.
Children under 16: the same rule applies if you know a child under 16 is likely to get to the gun.
In a car: if you leave a gun in a vehicle, take the ammunition out and lock the gun in a safe or locked box, out of sight from outside the car. The glove box does not count.
Starting January 19, 2027: every gun that is not on you or under your control must be locked up or have a gun lock, even if no one else lives with you. The car rule stays the same. It is a separate crime if a minor or a prohibited person then gets to the gun.
A "safe storage depository" means a locked safe or container that cannot be opened without the key, keypad or combination, and is fire, impact and tamper resistant. Breaking the law is a class A misdemeanor. Your city or county may have stricter rules.
New York Penal Law 265.45 (and 265.46 until January 19, 2027; 265.51 from January 19, 2027).
For more information click hereThe 4 Basic and Very Important Rules for Firearms
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded - every time. Even if you were informed that there are no ammunition/bullets in the gun, and it is unloaded. Inspect, look, and verify for yourself. - Never assume!
Never point a firearm towards a direction unless you don't mind if it gets destroyed.
Never place your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot.
Always know what is beyond the target you are shooting/pointing at.
Good luck, keep yourself safe and vigilant and see you at the range. Training and constant practicing is a MUST for everyone who owns/carries a firearm.
Looking for legal protection after a self-defense incident? See NY TAC Defense and AOR.
Flying with a Firearm
Traveling with firearms on a plane in the United States is subject to strict regulations and guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and federal law.
Unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case, in your checked bag, never in your carry-on.
Only you, the passenger, should have the key or combination.
Ammunition in a box made for ammunition (fiber, wood, plastic or metal). TSA allows it in the same locked case as the gun. Check your airline for limits on the amount.
Before leaving for the airport: check the airline's and the airport's websites for their procedures. Inspect your luggage before packing: no loose ammo or other items in your bag or lock box.
Unload your firearm and inspect that it is empty. Remove all the ammo from the magazines and place them in their original packaging.
Magazine limits: review the laws of the state you are flying to, and only take a magazine that is in compliance.
Declare the firearm at the airline ticket counter. You cannot do curbside check-in. Say "I have a firearm to declare in my checked baggage". Do not state "I have a gun". They may get the wrong idea.
Never carry a concealed weapon on your person on a commercial flight.
What to expect: Longer check-in process. You might be sent to the TSA office. You will need to fill out a form. Upon arrival at your destination, your luggage might not be on the regular baggage carousel, it might be at the oversized luggage area, or the airlines lost & found office. Give yourself extra time and stay calm.
License and Permit: You must be allowed to have the firearm where your trip starts and where it ends. Gun laws vary from state to state, and some states require additional permits.
It's essential to thoroughly research and comply with all federal, state, and airline-specific regulations before traveling with a firearm. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences, including fines and possible criminal charges. The TSA is known to have heavy fines for having something prohibited when passing through security in addition to legal fees and possible incarceration. Be careful and double-check your bags, pockets, etc.
TSA: Transporting Firearms and AmmunitionRemember Tefillas Haderech and arrive safely.
Driving with a Firearm
Traveling with firearms in your personal vehicle in the United States can be subject to both federal and state laws, and the specific regulations can vary from state to state. It's crucial to be aware of and follow all applicable laws when transporting firearms to avoid legal issues.
Thanks to one of the best presidents in recent history, the late Ronald Reagan, who signed the federal law that allows for interstate traveling with a firearm (the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986, passed by Congress). Meaning, as long as you're legally able to possess a firearm in your origin state AND your destination state, you may transport your firearm. For example, you are licensed in NY and traveling to FL.
For example New Jersey or Maryland.
The firearm is unloaded.
The firearm and the ammunition are in the trunk, not reachable from the passenger compartment.
No trunk? Keep them in a locked container that is not the glove box or the console. The back seat is part of the passenger compartment, so it does not count.
It does not give permission to carry in the destination state and does not prevent arrest.
The federal law (18 U.S.C. § 926A): it covers transport only if you may lawfully possess and carry the firearm at both the start and the end of the trip, the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Check State Laws: research the firearm laws of the states you will pass through and the state of your destination: firearms, magazine capacity and ammunition.
Transporting Across State Lines: some states may have specific rules, such as requiring firearms to be locked in a case or disassembled.
Transporting Ammunition: check whether there are any restrictions on the amount or type of ammunition you can carry.
Notify Law Enforcement: know the local laws; some states have a 'duty to inform', some don't. If you're pulled over, it's often a good practice to inform the officer that you have firearms in the vehicle. Follow their instructions and keep your hands visible and away from the firearms.
Local Regulations: some cities and municipalities have their own rules. Research local laws if you're traveling within a state.
Hotel Policies: check the firearm policies of the hotel where you plan to stay. Some hotels may require you to store your firearms in a designated secure area, like a hotel safe or a locked vehicle in the parking lot.
Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense, so it's crucial to be well-informed and adhere to all applicable rules when traveling with firearms.
Read 18 U.S.C. § 926ARemember Tefillas Haderech and drive safely.
New to the terms? See the 2A Glossary.
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