New Jersey Statewide Rule
Transporting Firearms in Vehicles in New Jersey
Key Facts
- Authority Njsa 2c395
- Authority: NJSA 2C:39-5 and 2C:39-6 govern transport statewide
- Firearms Must Be
- Firearms must be unloaded and in a locked case or trunk
- Travel Limited To
- Travel limited to enumerated lawful destinations without a carry permit
- Permit To Carry
- Permit to Carry exempts holder from container requirements
- Graves Act Imposes
- Graves Act imposes mandatory minimums on handgun transport offenses
Summary
New Jersey strictly regulates firearm transport in vehicles under NJSA 2C:39-5 and 2C:39-6, requiring unloaded firearms in locked containers absent a valid Permit to Carry, with serious penalties for noncompliance.
g. Any weapon being transported under paragraph (2) of subsection b., subsection e., or paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection f. of this section shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel shall include only deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
Full Breakdown
Transporting firearms in motor vehicles in New Jersey is governed by NJSA 2C:39-5 (unlawful possession) and NJSA 2C:39-6, which provides limited exemptions. Without a Permit to Carry a Handgun, drivers and passengers may transport firearms only between specifically authorized locations such as their home, a licensed dealer, a target range, a gunsmith, or a hunting site. Firearms must be unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, gun box, or locked in the trunk. Ammunition must generally be stored separately. Deviations from a direct route or stops not reasonably necessary can void the exemption and expose the driver to second-degree weapons charges. The framework applies uniformly statewide; municipalities cannot loosen these rules.
Violations & Penalties
Unlawful transport of a handgun is a second-degree crime under NJSA 2C:39-5(b) carrying 5-10 years imprisonment, with Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility for handgun offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my glovebox while driving in New Jersey?
Can a New Jersey town adopt different vehicle-carry rules?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.