From a legal perspective, the answer depends on whether or not you have a permit. If you have a permit, you may legally carry a loaded long gun in your vehicle. If you don't have a permit, it must be unloaded.HamSlice said:Anythin wrong with lock mounting a loaded or unloaded shotgun inside your trunk?
+1divegeek said:On balance, I think it's better just to keep the shotgun unloaded (no chambered shell).
I know right, it's nice to have the option.UtahJarhead said:Hey now... part of the fun is watching the bad guy's face when you rack a shell into the chamber!
For some reason I was under the impression that you can't have a loaded long gun in the car, with or without a valid CWP. I know that Utahns are allowed a loaded pistol in their vehicle without any permit but are you sure about long guns?divegeek said:If you have a permit, you may legally carry a loaded long gun in your vehicle. If you don't have a permit, it must be unloaded.
I am.ian husford said:For some reason I was under the impression that you can't have a loaded long gun in the car, with or without a valid CWP. I know that Utahns are allowed a loaded pistol in their vehicle without any permit but are you sure about long guns?divegeek said:If you have a permit, you may legally carry a loaded long gun in your vehicle. If you don't have a permit, it must be unloaded.
But per 76-10-523 (2), permit holders are exempt from the entire section:76-10-505. Carrying loaded firearm in vehicle or on street.
[...]
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a)(i) and (ii), a person may not possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle.
[...]
Still, it's safer to keep your long guns unloaded. They're not designed for loaded carry the same way handguns are.76-10-523. Persons exempt from weapons laws.
[...]
(2) The provisions of Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and Section 76-10-505 do not apply to any person to whom a permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued:
(a) pursuant to Section 53-5-704; or
(b) by another state or county.
I totally agree with keeping it safe and unloaded, I just couldn't find anything on the books about it. Thanks for the info.divegeek said:I am.ian husford said:For some reason I was under the impression that you can't have a loaded long gun in the car, with or without a valid CWP. I know that Utahns are allowed a loaded pistol in their vehicle without any permit but are you sure about long guns?divegeek said:If you have a permit, you may legally carry a loaded long gun in your vehicle. If you don't have a permit, it must be unloaded.
The statute that bans carrying a loaded long gun in your vehicle is 76-10-505 (3):
But per 76-10-523 (2), permit holders are exempt from the entire section:76-10-505. Carrying loaded firearm in vehicle or on street.
[...]
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a)(i) and (ii), a person may not possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle.
[...]
Still, it's safer to keep your long guns unloaded. They're not designed for loaded carry the same way handguns are.76-10-523. Persons exempt from weapons laws.
[...]
(2) The provisions of Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and Section 76-10-505 do not apply to any person to whom a permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued:
(a) pursuant to Section 53-5-704; or
(b) by another state or county.
ian husford said:See? I am nuts for questioning it.
76-10-505. Carrying loaded firearm in vehicle or on street.
(1) Unless otherwise authorized by law, a person may not carry a loaded firearm:
(a) in or on a vehicle, unless:
(i) the vehicle is in the person's lawful possession; or
(ii) the person is carrying the loaded firearm in a vehicle with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle;
(b) on a public street; or
(c) in a posted prohibited area.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a minor under 18 years of age, since a minor under 18 years of age may not carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle.
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a)(i) and (ii), a person may not possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle.
(4) A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.
CFP holders are exempt from the entirety of 76-10-505.UtahJarhead said:"That word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
notwithstanding - "in spite of; without being opposed or prevented by"
76-10-523. Persons exempt from weapons laws.
(1) This part and Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Weapon Act, do not apply to any of the following:
(a) a United States marshal;
(b) a federal official required to carry a firearm;
(c) a peace officer of this or any other jurisdiction;
(d) a law enforcement official as defined and qualified under Section 53-5-711;
(e) a judge as defined and qualified under Section 53-5-711;
(f) a common carrier while engaged in the regular and ordinary transport of firearms as merchandise; or
(g) a nonresident traveling in or through the state, provided that any firearm is:
(i) unloaded; and
(ii) securely encased as defined in Section 76-10-501.
(2) The provisions of Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and Section 76-10-505 do not apply to any person to whom a permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued:
(a) pursuant to Section 53-5-704; or
(b) by another state or county.
+1UtahJarhead said:However, it's still a terrible idea since very few rifles have anywhere near the safety features of your average handgun.