Carrying In A Commercial Vehicle

Carrying a firearm in a commercial vehicle is not federally regulated.  Many commercial truck drivers believe that Federal Law prohibits them from carrying in a commercial truck.  This is simply wrong.   To be clear, there are no federal regulations on carrying a firearm in a commercial vehicle.   It does not matter whether you have a concealed weapons license/permit.  The ability to carry a firearm in a commercial vehicle depends on the laws of the state in which you are traveling.

Traveling in Florida

For example, Florida does not have any specific regulations regarding carrying a firearm in a commercial vehicle.  A commercial driver must follow Florida law pertaining to vehicle carry like any other driver.

Without a CWFL (Concealed Weapons and Firearms License) or Recognized Out of State License

In Florida, without a concealed weapons license, a handgun must be securely encased or not readily accessible while traveling in a vehicle.  The handgun can be loaded with a round in the chamber.  “Securely encased” means the handgun must be in the glove compartment, a closed container, a gun case or the center console box.  “Not readily accessible” means in the trunk of the vehicle or storage compartment of a trunk or RV.

With a CWFL or Recognized Out of State License

With a concealed weapons license, the handgun must be concealed.   However, the firearm may be on your person, under the seat, in the center console, in the glove box, etc., as long as it is concealed.

It is important to know the laws of each state you are traveling to. You have a duty to know the laws before entering a state.  Lack of knowledge is not a defense.  So, before you travel into another state with a firearm, in a commercial or personal vehicle, make sure you know how that state requires you to travel with a firearm in your vehicle, especially if you do not have a recognized concealed weapons license in a particular state.  For more information on bringing a firearm into the state of Florida view our travel guide.

David S. Katz

About Expert Firearm Attorney David Katz. David Katz is an Expert Firearm Attorney and has been practicing law for over 14 years. He began his career as a prosecutor in Seminole County, Florida.   There, he gained invaluable experience analyzing how...
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