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New York Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Restricted: A New York license is required to possess a handgun, so a visitor without one generally may not carry or transport one.
A New York license is required to possess a handgun, so a visitor without one generally may not carry or transport one. Narrow exceptions include approved shooting competitions for non-residents and the federal peaceable-journey law, but only if you may lawfully possess and carry the handgun at both ends of the trip and it is unloaded and kept with its ammunition out of reach of the passenger area. A handgun left in a vehicle must be unloaded and locked in a fire, impact and tamper resistant container hidden from view; a glove box does not count. A New York license is not valid in New York City without a city permit.
Official source: troopers.ny.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering New York
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ConnecticutConditional
A Connecticut permit is required for a handgun in a vehicle; out-of-state permits are not honored. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
- MassachusettsRestricted
A visitor without a Massachusetts license may carry a firearm on their person in a vehicle only while lawfully traveling through the state, and it must stay in the vehicle. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
- New JerseyRestricted
Without a New Jersey Permit to Carry, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and in a closed, fastened case or gunbox, or locked in the trunk. It may be moved only on trips the law lists, such as between a place of purchase, home, business or repair shop, or to and from a range or hunting, with only reasonably necessary detours. Having it loaded or on your person is a crime. Federal 18 U.S.C. 926A protects only lawful passage through the state.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
- PennsylvaniaConditional
Without a Pennsylvania license, carrying a handgun in a vehicle is a third-degree felony unless an exception applies (a first-degree misdemeanor if you were otherwise eligible and broke no other law). …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
- VermontPermitted
Vermont has no permit requirement and no general restriction on carrying a handgun in a private vehicle, for anyone who may lawfully possess one. The state rule on loaded guns in vehicles covers rifles and shotguns on a public highway and does not mention handguns. Firearms are still barred in places such as hospital buildings and school buildings.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →
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