Can I Transport a Gun in My Vehicle in Wisconsin?

 Posted on June 04, 2020 in Gun Violations

Wisconsin is a state that has relatively lenient gun laws, especially when compared to other states. In Wisconsin, you do not need to have a permit to own or possess a firearm. As long as you are not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, and you pass a background check, you can legally carry your firearm in public, as long as it is not hidden from plain view. Once you hide the firearm from plain view, you are considered to be carrying a concealed handgun, which requires a concealed carry weapons (CCW) license.

When it comes to transporting firearms, the rules can become a little vague. Is the interior of a vehicle considered “concealed?” Do you need a permit to transport a firearm? There are certain rules that you must follow to legally transport a firearm in Wisconsin. The rules do vary, however, depending on whether or not you have a CCW. By remaining aware of how the laws apply to you, you can avoid any potential weapons charges.

Transporting a Gun With a CCW License

According to Wisconsin laws, residents who legally possess a CCW license can carry a loaded and concealed handgun in their vehicle. However, rifles and shotguns, also known as long guns, have different rules. You are permitted to transport them while they are not in a case, but you are not permitted to conceal them within your vehicle. This means that all rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and in plain view from outside of the vehicle or out of reach of people in the vehicle.

Transporting a Firearm Without a CCW License

If you do not have a CCW, you can still transport firearms, but there are different rules you must follow. For handguns, if you do not have a CCW, you are not permitted to conceal the gun within the vehicle. Handguns do not have to be unloaded or in a case, but they must be out of reach of passengers in the vehicle. If you are transporting a long gun, you must unload the gun and transport it in or on a vehicle in plain view when it is within reach. If a gun is improperly hidden, you could face criminal charges in Wisconsin.

Contact a Jefferson County Criminal Defense Attorney

There are many laws concerning firearms that you are required to follow if you wish to own and possess a firearm in Wisconsin. If you have been charged with a crime for illegally transporting your firearm, you should speak with a knowledgeable Milwaukee County firearm violations defense lawyer. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, our attorneys have secured positive outcomes for clients who are facing various types of weapons charges. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dles/ccw/ccw-faq%201-2018.pdf