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Pennsylvania Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: 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).
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). Exceptions include: in a vehicle only, a valid license for that firearm issued by any state (statute wording; its reach is unclear, so do not rely on it for a license Pennsylvania does not honor); an unloaded handgun in a secure wrapper going to or from a purchase, home or business, repair or sale, a move, a vacation home or a gun-safety class; and lawful interstate transport under federal law.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Pennsylvania
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawareConditional
Delaware's statutes set no method for carrying a handgun in a vehicle. Treat a handgun hidden in a vehicle as concealed. Carrying it concealed without a Delaware license or a recognized out-of-state permit is a class D felony. It is a statutory defense to that charge if the firearm is stored in a locked box or container, in a locked firearms rack on the vehicle, or locked in the trunk. If you leave a firearm unattended in a vehicle, it must be stored one of those ways, even if you hold a Delaware license.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: attorneygeneral.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
- MarylandRestricted
Without a Maryland permit, a handgun may be transported only to or from a legal purchase, sale or repair shop; between your homes, or home and a business you substantially own and operate; and to, from or during target shooting, hunting, trapping and other listed activities. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland 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 →
- New YorkRestricted
A New York license is required to possess a handgun, so a visitor without one generally may not carry or transport one. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: troopers.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- OhioConditional
In Ohio, a person 21 or older who may legally carry concealed, with or without a license, may transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle unless under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or over the legal limit for alcohol or a listed drug. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
Anyone 18 or older who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and is not barred from having a gun may carry a handgun in a vehicle, concealed or in view, with no license or permit. Guns are banned on school buses and on school grounds, with limited exceptions. Local and private-property rules can add limits.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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