Wisconsin Statewide Rule

Wisconsin Vehicle Firearm Carry Concealed Weapon Law

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wisconsin (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Wis. Stat. 941.23 governs vehicle carry
Concealed Carry: CCW license required for handguns
Long Guns: Unloaded, encased per 167.31
Local Rules: Preempted by 66.0409
Violation: Class A misdemeanor

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Wisconsin State Legislature

Summary

Wisconsin Statute 941.23 makes carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a CCW license a misdemeanor, while open carry and licensed concealed carry inside vehicles are lawful statewide subject to limited prohibited zones.

Any person, other than one of the following, who carries a concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor: 941.23(2)(a)(a) A peace officer, but notwithstanding s. 939.22, for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden. 941.23(2)(am)(am) A person who is certified as a tactical emergency medical services professional under s. 165.85 (3) while acting in the line of duty.

Source: Wisconsin State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Wis. Stat. 941.23, carrying a concealed weapon in any place, including inside a motor vehicle, requires a Wisconsin concealed carry license issued under Wis. Stat. 175.60 or recognition of an out-of-state license. A handgun placed out of plain view in a vehicle, including in a glove box, console, or under a seat, generally constitutes concealed carry triggering the licensing requirement. Long guns must be unloaded and encased while transported in or on a vehicle under Wis. Stat. 167.31. Loaded handguns may be carried in a vehicle by licensed CCW holders. Section 66.0409 preempts municipalities from imposing additional vehicle-carry restrictions, ensuring uniform rules statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Concealed carry in a vehicle without a license is a Class A misdemeanor under 941.23 with up to nine months jail and $10,000 fine. Transporting a loaded or uncased long gun violates 167.31 as a forfeiture offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a handgun in my glove box in Wisconsin?

Only if you hold a valid Wisconsin or recognized out-of-state CCW license, since a glove-box handgun is considered concealed under Wis. Stat. 941.23.

Do long guns need to be unloaded in a Wisconsin vehicle?

Yes. Wis. Stat. 167.31 requires rifles and shotguns to be unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case while in or on a motor vehicle.

Can a city in Wisconsin restrict guns in cars more strictly?

No. Wis. Stat. 66.0409 preempts local ordinances that impose firearm restrictions exceeding state law.

Sources

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