Georgia Statewide Rule
Georgia Vehicle Carry Rules Under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126
Key Facts
- O.C.G.A. 16-11-126 Governs
- O.C.G.A. 16-11-126 governs handgun carry in vehicles
- No Permit Required
- No permit required for eligible lawful weapons carriers
- Long guns may
- Long guns may be transported in private vehicles
- Local Stricter Rules
- Local stricter rules are preempted by O.C.G.A. 16-11-173
- Prohibited Persons and
- Prohibited persons and locations restrictions still apply
Summary
Georgia permits any lawful weapons carrier or eligible person to carry a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126.
Any person who is a lawful weapons carrier may transport a handgun or long gun in any private passenger motor vehicle; provided, however, that private property owners or persons in legal control of private property through a lease, rental agreement, licensing agreement, contract, or any other agreement to control access to such private property shall have the right to exclude or eject a person who is in possession of a weapon or long gun on their private property in accordance with paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of Code Section 16-7-21, except as provided in Code Section 16-11-135.
Full Breakdown
Under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126, any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm may have or carry a handgun on their person, in a vehicle, or carried in any manner. Long guns may also be transported in vehicles. Following Georgia's 2022 constitutional carry law, no Weapons Carry License is required for a lawful weapons carrier to carry concealed in a private vehicle. Statewide preemption under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173 prevents counties and cities from adopting stricter vehicle-carry rules. Restrictions still apply to prohibited persons, prohibited locations under O.C.G.A. 16-11-127, and on certain government and school property.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying by a prohibited person or in a restricted location may be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a handgun in my car in Georgia without a permit?
Can a Georgia city restrict guns in vehicles?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.