Ohio law allows the transport of weapons in cars both by those with a concealed carry license and those without. There are, however, laws regulating the handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and failure to adhere to these laws could result in serious fines, jail time, loss of a concealed carry license, or even the right to open carry.
Common Violations of Firearms Handling in Motor Vehicle
Driver does not alert police officer that there was a gun in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop (which is now required when asked instead of immediately when approached by the officer).
Driver does not keep hands in plain sight of the police officer at a traffic stop.
Driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while carrying a weapon in the vehicle.
If you have been charged with any of these offenses or have other charges involving your firearm in Ohio, give us a call, and we can help.
Open Carry: Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Open carry of an unloaded weapon in a car has been allowed for a long time in Ohio as long as the firearm is carried in one of the following ways:
(1) In a closed package, box, or case;
(2) In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle;
(3) In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose;
(4) If the firearm is at least twenty-four inches in overall length as measured from the muzzle to the part of the stock furthest from the muzzle and if the barrel is at least eighteen inches in length, either in plain sight with the action open or the weapon stripped, or, if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or which cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight (ORC 2923.16 (C)).
Loaded vs. Unloaded Firearm in Ohio Law
The definition of “unloaded” in Ohio is not as simple as it seems. For most firearms, to be considered fully unloaded, the following conditions must be met:
- There is no ammunition in the gun, and no magazine or speed loader containing ammunition inserted into the firearm AND
- EITHER there is no ammunition in a magazine or speed loader in the vehicle that can be used with the firearm in the vehicle
- OR a loaded magazine or speedloader in the vehicle is kept a compartment that cannot be accessed from inside the vehicle or is in a completely closed separate container.
After SB215 took effect this month, the rules regarding the open carry of an unloaded weapon may not be as significant for as many people. But before you carry a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle, make sure it is within your rights to do so.
Carrying Firearms in a Motor Vehicle
If you are asked by a law enforcement officer or employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit, you must alert the officer or employee that you are carrying a concealed weapon. Do not draw your weapon or even touch it while being approached or interacting with the officer conducting the stop.
If you are ever pulled over while carrying a weapon, do not draw it or touch it prior to your interaction with the officer conducting the stop.
If you were pulled over for any act involving violence, alcohol, or use of your weapon, a charge stemming from the traffic stop may very well put your gun rights in jeopardy.
CHL Holders and Non-CHL Holders
With the change to the Ohio Gun laws that took effect earlier this year (June of 2022), the difference between CHL holders and non-CHL holders changed in significance. The Ohio Attorney General makes it very clear that drivers without a CHL are NOT permitted to drive into a school safety zone while carrying a firearm in their vehicle.
Other Articles by Jim Dearie:
How Can an OVI Affect My Gun Rights in Ohio?
How Can a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Gun Rights?
Contact Us for Help In Handling Your Weapons Charge
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In Lebanon, Warren County and Butler County, Ohio call our office.
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The information contained herein does not represent the full extent of Ohio firearms law and does not constitute legal advice. For weapons charges, every individual’s circumstance is unique. Call us so we can evaluate your case.
