Michigan Statewide Rule
Michigan Vehicle Carry and Concealed Pistol Rules
Key Facts
- Preemption
- MCL 750.227 governs vehicle pistol carry statewide
- CPL required to
- CPL required to carry loaded pistol in vehicle
- Without CPL: pistol
- Without CPL: pistol must be unloaded and cased or in trunk
- Penalties
- Felony penalty up to 5 years and $2,500 fine
- Preemption
- Local rules preempted under MCL 123.1102
Summary
Michigan law under MCL 750.227 makes it a felony to carry a concealed pistol in a vehicle without a valid Concealed Pistol License or other statutory exemption.
750.231a Exceptions to MCL 750.227(2); "antique firearm" defined. Sec. 231a. (1) Subsection (2) of section 227 does not apply to any of the following: (a) To a person holding a valid license to carry a pistol concealed upon his or her person issued by his or her state of residence except where the pistol is carried in nonconformance with a restriction appearing on the license. (b) To the regular and ordinary transportation of pistols as merchandise by an authorized agent of a person licensed to manufacture firearms. (c) To a person carrying an antique firearm, completely unloaded in a closed case or container designed for the storage of firearms in the trunk of a vehicle. (d) To a person while transporting a pistol for a lawful purpose that is licensed by the owner or occupant of the motor vehicle in compliance with section 2 of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.422, and the pistol is unloaded in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms in the trunk of the vehicle. (e) To a person while transporting a pistol for a lawful purpose that is licensed by the owner or occupant of the motor vehicle in compliance with section 2 of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.422, and the pistol is unloaded in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms in a vehicle that does not have a trunk and is not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle. (2) As used in this section, "antique firearm" means either of the following:
Full Breakdown
MCL 750.227 prohibits carrying a pistol concealed on or about the person, or carrying a pistol whether concealed or otherwise in a vehicle operated or occupied by the person, unless the carrier holds a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) or qualifies for a statutory exception. Without a CPL, a pistol transported in a vehicle must be unloaded and either in a closed case designed for firearms or in the trunk per MCL 750.231a. CPL holders may carry concealed in their vehicles statewide, except in pistol-free zones defined by MCL 28.425o. Long guns transported in vehicles must generally be unloaded under MCL 750.227d. Local Michigan governments cannot enact stricter vehicle carry rules because firearm regulation is preempted by MCL 123.1102.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying a concealed pistol in a vehicle without a CPL is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine up to $2,500 under MCL 750.227.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a loaded pistol in my car in Michigan without a CPL?
Where must a non-CPL holder put a pistol in their vehicle?
Can a Michigan city add stricter vehicle carry rules?
Sources
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