Legally Transporting Firearms in Philadelphia

There are certain protocols for properly and legally transporting firearms in Philadelphia. As a result, a person who is unfamiliar with such regulations may incur significant legal issues if they are found transporting a firearm improperly. Any type of firearm offense is taken seriously in Philadelphia. Someone who has been charged with a gun violation of any kind should immediately contact a dedicated gun lawyer and refrain from making statements to police. Anything said to police could be used against a person in court. Call and schedule an appointment to begin discussing your potential legal options.

Reasons for Transporting a Firearm

Individuals in Philadelphia may have many reasons for legally transporting firearms. Some of the most common examples include people who are lawful owners of firearms and take them back and forth between a place of business, a place of testing such as a firing range, and the individual’s place of residence. When firearms are taken between those three locations, they must be transported in compliance with all state and federal requirements. 

Additionally, individuals moving from another location to Philadelphia may have a legally transferred firearm being moved from one place of residence to a newer place of residence. Individuals who live in Philadelphia may also be transporting the firearm if they are moving out of the city or out of the state. A person who would like to learn more about legally transporting firearms in Philadelphia should reach out to a qualified gun attorney. 

Compliance Requirements for Legal Transportation

Individuals who legally own firearms in the city and county of Philadelphia must abide by all federal and state of Pennsylvania requirements for having firearms legally and transporting them. The most common mistake individuals make is when a firearm being transported between either a place of purchase, a place of employment, or a gun range to a person’s home.

In all cases, the firearm must be unloaded and secured separately from the ammunition. In most cases involving a vehicle, the firearm can be held in the front area of the vehicle in its original packaging and the ammunition can be held in the trunk area in a container that allows it not to be connected with the firearm until it is in a legal location.

Importance of a Separate Compartment in Vehicle

Individuals who do not have a separate compartment in their car generally cannot legally transfer a firearm without a carry permit license. Individuals who cannot separately secure the firearm typically do not have a right to transport that firearm. It is a requirement of city, county, and state law in Pennsylvania to have the firearm and ammunition separately secured. Individuals, even lawful purchasers or owners of firearms, that do not comply with this requirement could face significant legal issues and criminal charges. More specifically, they could incur a first-degree misdemeanor charge in result of a violation of the Uniform Firearms Act. It is also important to note that since Philadelphia is designated as a city of the first-class, a person may face an additional felony charge for a violation of the Uniform Firearms Act.

Contact an Attorney About Legal Firearm Transportation in Philadelphia

If you or a family member were accused of committing any type of firearms violation, consult a reliable gun lawyer. They could review the factors surrounding your arrest and work to identify potential legal options. Call to learn more about legally transporting firearms in Philadelphia. Set up an appointment as soon as possible to start building a credible defense.