Reciprocity and travelling

[wjh2657]

I have to travel to St. Louis several times a year to visit grandkids. My prepaid legal Service gave me some advice that I think is sound. I download the little pamphlets (usually in .pdf ) on handgun laws for the states I travel through, published by the State Police on the internet. I laminate them and carry them in the map pocket of my passenger seat. As I have to travel through Illinois to get there, I am extra self concious about transporting my gun throught that state. If stopped I am prepared to show that I have made every attempt to comply with local laws. As I stick to the interstate coming and going, I will most likely encounter State Police. I have found most "troopers" to be open to dsicussion about legality. Local cops may be a whole different ball of wax (I don't really know for sure.) I was stopped for a license and "booze breath" check on one occasion, a holiday, and the Illinois Trooper saw my HCP and asked. I showed him the pamphlet and offered to open the truck to show how the weapon was secured. He just smiled and waived me on.

I do know that local LEO are not always aware of reciprocity rules and having the pamphlet with you, put out by their own State Police, might just avoid some nasty business.

Edited June 17, 2010 by wjh2657

[Fallguy]

I agree in most cases State level LEOs seem to know more about these things than locals.

When I travel I always go to Handgunlaw.us to check the laws of the state I am going to.

There are links to each state's website on the pages there.

[tnhawk]

As the laws in different states are continually changing, it'd be good to check the websites and print the current laws for the states you enter.