RV Travel with Firearms: Understanding Federal Laws and FOPA Compliance
Some people may be traveling in an RV with a firearm and crossing state lines. There is a federal law that protects this right, however you must follow the rules of this law to stay under umbrella of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA).
RV travel with Firearms is something you will most certainly want to research before taking any firearm across state lines.
The FOPA gives protection to gun owners, however you must be mindful of the state you are traveling in order to transport a firearm across state lines.
Be sure to practice good firearm safety and keep all license and certifications up to date.
This is not legal advice, so do your own research and due diligence before transporting a firearm in a vehicle.
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Be polite and respectful. Do not ever consent to search. Do not ever consent to seizure. Do not engage in a conversation. Do not answer questions. Simply ask “am I being detained?”, and “am I free to go?”. At least in California, the part of the RV behind the front seats is the “house”, and thereby subject to the protection of the Fourth Amendment.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
I've seen a lot of videos on best practices, and these seem to echo those.
@gorila1958
Жыл бұрын
I've found that since were deciding to travel to Florida that direction yes I'm more comfortable. They have absolutely ruined many parts of Good old USA since they are Anti American Anti-gun just will not visit those states just sad they are non supportive of our 2nd Amendment rights.
@svbarryduckworth628
Жыл бұрын
Too bad this doesn't work on a boat. State and local Fish&Wildlife/DNR/boating officers can board and enter at any time for "safety" inspections and refusal is not an option. They can ask if you have any weapons "for their own safety" and if you lie to them it is a felony.
@robertschulke1596
Жыл бұрын
@@svbarryduckworth628 Unfortunately, you're right. Their actions are not supported by anything in the Constitution, and in fact are specifically prohibited. That said, they will do what they will do, and you will only get as much justice as you can afford. Some states are worse than others. Maybe the day will come when our "rights" are something more than permissions, but I'm not holding my breath.
@GruntProof
Жыл бұрын
As soon as you exercise your rights, the cop will go fishing. They'll prolong your stop, bring in a dog, and the dog will alert, leading to a search. Sad but this is reality.
I plan on Not going to the unfriendly States. 😀
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Most of the country popular with RVs is friendly
Cop in California here… You can possess your legal firearm in California, as long as: -it’s (handgun) locked in a container (NOT the glovebox nor center console, nor the trunk alone). In a lockable box of some sort. It can be plastic or metal, doesn’t matter. -Unloaded. I would keep any magazines out of the locked box, so there’s no confusion there. Magazines with ammo does NOT need to be locked up, just kept separate from the gun itself. -Long guns must be unloaded and they can be stored in the trunk or rear of the RV. No need to lock them in a case. -NO “ASSAULT WEAPONS” (AR’s, AK’s pistol gripped rifle with detachable magazine etc…) ARE PERMITTED IN THE STATE. Period. -“Featureless” rifles and shotguns are permitted (Mini-14, SKS with fixed 10-rnd magazine, Ruger 10/22 rifle, Springfield M1-A etc…). Again, “featureless” being no flash hider, no pistol grip, no bayonet lug etc…) -No magazines brought into the state holding more than 10-rounds. That’s it…. Research though yourselves, as I’m NOT giving legal advice nor am I a lawyer.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info!
@DuMpst3Rmike
Жыл бұрын
Those rules make a firearm virtually useless in any self Defense situation. Better off carrying a tire iron for emergency tire changes. California sucks
@colt10mmsecurity68
Жыл бұрын
@@DuMpst3Rmike I agree it sucks but it’s not “worthless.” This is just law for transporting the gun. One at one’s campsite, you can actually carry the gun on your person and concealed with no permit needed. (Just don’t leave your campsite while it’s concealed -another “sucked” part of Cali).
@Step-n-Wolf
Жыл бұрын
With all the laws on the left coast it us best to avoid. No Castle Doctrine I will avoid. Gun rights should apply nationwide like right turn on red. WA just banned everything it seems.
@colt10mmsecurity68
Жыл бұрын
@@Step-n-Wolf You’re right about Oregon and Washington states. However, California believe it or not has a castle doctrine and we are a stand your ground state. People don’t realize that California is actually a red state, however due to the overwhelming and dense voting population majorities of San Francisco/Oakland and Los Angeles, elections here always go to “blue” candidates. Sad.
Great topic Brandon. I’ve been contemplating the legality myself. This will require lots of research and planning. Personally, I’d feel better having the ability to protect myself as we travel. However, I won’t do it if it’s going to get us in trouble.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
It is pretty intense, but if you travel in the south or west (minus California) should be ok as long as you follow those FOPA rules.
Good stuff man. The FOPA is mainly utilized if you're driving through states where your firearm or ownership of it is not illegal. If you're traveling through fully Constitutional Carry states, you're good to go.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Yep, be careful out there!
The 14th amendment guarantees my right to travel, the 2nd guarantees my right to keep and bare arms. Nothing else matters.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Agree, however interactions with police officers can inject some inconvenience into your life
Insane definition...I will just stay at home, with my slingshot.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Lol
Thanks for the general information Brandon. We will soon take delivery of our Wonder and I was wondering about the general laws about bringing a firearm. These side topics that you report on are very helpful.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Great, glad it was helpful!
STAY OUT OF NEW JERSEY,ALSO KNOWN AS.....NEW GERMANY!
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
The North East would not be advisable if you are a gun carrier
@Step-n-Wolf
Жыл бұрын
Didnt a guy go to jail in NJ just for a bullet?
Great Video on this important topic. Well said!! Keep them them coming
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it!
I only go to states that have a CCW reciprocity agreement with Texas
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
🤠
So if I'm driving 1400 miles. I cant stop. I must keep driving only stopping for gas. What happens when I fall asleep at the wheel and a cop sees me and pulls me over. Is that when I explain to him I cant stop and I'm falling asleep but I cant stop.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
I’m sure he will understand 😂
@nativenewyorker2490
Жыл бұрын
my thoughts exactly. not just falling asleep, but causing an accident and a loss of life. all because i can't stop, to rest? sounds crazy.
In the event that you literally live in your mobile home....and the 2A gives you the right to possess a firearm, why would any state supersede the right to have a weapon in your home? If you carry a weapon for protection, how can it protect you if it is locked in a safe, unloaded and not accessible? The best advice given here is to drive conservatively, do not call attention to yourself in a way that would cause any interaction with law enforcement.
@Pagosa
4 ай бұрын
Never allow an opportunity to need to defend yourself in court.
Excellent topic.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Are the rules different when it comes to a trailer that you tow behind your vehicle?
@Pagosa
3 ай бұрын
I think the rules are whatever the police officer says they are and you have to find out if the judge agrees.
If it is locked up in my safe you are going to need a warrant for sure.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
My safe is broken, so they couldn't get into it anyway, lol
@keith6234
6 сағат бұрын
Don't be so sure about that ! You are under the mistaken assumption that Police follow the Constitution or law. Once they feel they have probable cause they can tear apart your car or safe and leave you on the side of the road with door panels or seats cut open and not even pay to repair the damage if they don't find anything. Boarder Patrol pulls out dashes, Cuts open spare tires or fenders and then says have a nice day when they don't find anything.
The map is interesting. I've looked at other maps that show Iowa as being very gun-unfriendly (on par with its neighbor, Illinois), which surprises me. It's not shown as such on the map in this video, though.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
I believe this map is pretty current, but def best to do your due diligence and research more
Shall not be infringed
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
The key is to not have an interaction with a law enforcement officer
After SCOTUS Bruen decision we need to sue if your detained. Shall not be infringed in the Constitution does NOT go away just because your in a Democratic state even as much as they wish it did!!!!!
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Yup. However, is it worth the hassle to test the waters
thx for sharing. it's a hot topic for sure. stay safe
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Maine is as far northeast as you can get. Very gun friendly , We have constitutional carry. Massachusetts is a nightmare .
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
good to know
This is just information on how to avoid trouble if you carry a gun. For those that don’t like guns it doesn’t apply to you. Just like if it was a video on cooking meat it isn’t directed to vegans.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Great comparison.
So, I live in North Carolina and own a glock with a 15 round magazine. If I want to go to Pennsylvania which allows the 15 round magazine you are saying I can travel through Maryland which doesn't allow 15 round magazines if I follow all the other FOPA Rules? Please someone reply to this...
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
At the end of the day, it’s about if you are stopped, the police won’t check the laws or practices of any other state and they can decide to do what they wish and you may have to fight it out in court. So travel with a firearm at your own risk.
Let’s go Brandon FJB
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
lol
Complicated but thanks for the information. Need to do lots more 🧐
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful
Is there any distinction between a pistol or a long gun in these laws
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Good question. Not sure, but I would consult someone who knows before trying
I love shooting recreationally. I have 2-hundred pounds of steel targets and t-posts. It's nobodies business what I have. I built a locker and secure a dozen guns. I reload and have thousands of rounds. I have my CCW and follow the laws. Goexplorus thought they could tell me what I could have. They told me none better be semis, lol. Oh yeah, I'm in Cali now, and I legally carry a shotgun in my front seat. So please tell me how will anyone know what I have in my RV? A gun locked and unloaded is useless.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Cali let's you have a shotgun in the vehicle?
If you get stopped by a LEO traveling in a Motorhome. Do you have to tell them if you have a Gun in the safe?
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
That’s a question for a legal professional. I really don’t know what the answer would be
@cisco1dog
Жыл бұрын
I don’t answer questions or volunteer information. Having a fifth wheel, I have a shotgun in the fifth wheel and usually a handgun in the truck. In Texas, we have a duty to inform the officers, as our license are tied to our plates( so they know you have a license) I just try to not get stopped!
@keith6234
6 сағат бұрын
@@cisco1dog Agreed but if you watch Cops TV show they see a suspicious car and they follow them until they break one of the hundreds of traffic laws like burned out bulbs or window tint or weaving then they pull them over to see what they can get them for. A Cop on the show even said the enforce traffic laws hard because most of the criminals they catch are caught for a traffic violation first and then they can check for warrants smell for drugs search the car find guns all because you rolled a stop sign. Cops in Anti gun states also use your CCW Permit info then find an excuse to pull you over and see if you are carrying a gun. It is sad they can't do what is right.
What are the most challenging states?
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey (most of the New England area)
What about bear spray, or pepper spray, either of which I am more likely to want to carry.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure. Check with your local authorities, but they sell those on Amazon, so sure they are not restricted.
@myohmy839
2 жыл бұрын
@@Pagosa Fun Fact: You can bring Bear Spray into Canada, but NOT Pepper Spray. And, of course, don't bring your guns.
I get it with handguns or ar15, but I thought like a 12 gage hunting type gun had different laws, I am buying a travel trailer and would like to travel with a shotgun. Not a hand gun I hope I don't have to buy a giant safe🤔
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
That's a good question, however the cops don't look up what is allowed and isn't, so they may let the court sort it out.
@mypassionrc-studioxd40lous66
Жыл бұрын
@@Pagosa thanks I'll keep up the search, if you hear anything, I could use the help, I'm in Arizona and we basically have very few gun laws you can carry anything you want as you have probably seen on the news. We don't even register any guns anymore. But I can't imagine that people who travel for with hunting rifles would have to lock everything up. I mean you'd have to carry a big safe. 🤔 I don't know I'm new to travel trailers. 🙏✝️☮️
@keith6234
6 сағат бұрын
Being an Elmer Fudd with a shotgun is no protection. Shotguns are more deadly and dangerous than handguns and the laws are the same for any type firearm in most cases. A safe isn't always required usually a gun case that is locked is good enough in most cases. Do your own research.
So do criminals follow these laws. Asking for a friend.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
This video is about traveling with a gun in an unfriendly state, so assume you become a criminal if you don't follow the particular state's rules.
What about crossing the Canadian or Mexican border?
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Depends on if you like your firearms confiscated and serious legal problems.
@VailJohnson
Ай бұрын
Canada you might just have the gun confiscated and you'll be banned from ever going there again; Mexico is prison for sure, 100%
@keith6234
6 сағат бұрын
Mexico will lock you up for having a gun or even one round of ammo you forgot about in your trunk. It has happened. Canada has very strict rules for bringing hunting weapons into Canada. You need to fill out paperwork and prove you are on a hunting trip before crossing the border. Handguns and Assault Rifles are totally out of the question.
If you have a concealed carry permit do you still have to have your hand gun unloaded and locked up?
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely
@jimhamman2335
Жыл бұрын
Not if the states you are traveling in/through have a CCW reciprocity agreement with your home state where the CCW permit was issued. In those states, be sure to abide by the laws governing concealed carry.
@JJVPYOU
Жыл бұрын
Not if you have a LTC and the states thru which you are traveling recognize the LTC from your state or are constitutional carry states. In that case you carry in your person as usual. You can stop, spend a night or more, go sightseeing, etc. Just make sure you know the carry laws in those states so you'll know where you can or can't carry. If you travel thru an anti-gun state or one that doesn't recognize your state LTC, then unload and lock it until you exit that state and enter a gun friendly state.
@DLTJR1959
Жыл бұрын
@@JJVPYOU Exactly correct. Pretty much in the south most states have constitutional carry. NC concealed carry is recognized in those states.
@cisco1dog
Жыл бұрын
Only if your state doesn’t have reciprocal agreements with the states you are traveling through.
Let's sum this up without all the fill: You do NOT enjoy the benefits of the 2nd Amendment as commonly understood. That being - the ability to have personal self protection close at hand. Especially while travelling in your personal vehicle - period.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
You do where I live, God bless Texas! But not everywhere for sure.
@DLTJR1959
Жыл бұрын
@@Pagosa And in NC...
@svbarryduckworth628
Жыл бұрын
Even worse on a boat. Coast Guard and State/Local.water officers can stop & inspect/search at any time and your "consent" has nothing to do with it. Many northern states such as New York consider any boat a "vehicle" and not your home so just possessing a firearm is "carrying" it and a felony without an impossible to get permit for a Non-Resident or Resident alike.
What good is a gun that is unloaded and un accessible? The bad guys are not going to waite while I go get my gun out and load it! This is dumb!
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
It is what it is
Things are even worse for those of us who are cruising full-time on boats even if we do exclusively stay in the so-called "USA" and don't travel to other countries. The Second Amendment is ignored in the "USA" today although the recent NYSRPA v Bruen Supreme Court decision has been slowly turning things around. Still the Second Amendment stops at the Mason-Dixon line and doesn't come back until you reach New Hampshire & Maine. Except for those two northern states the 2A only really exists in the Southern half of the US East Coast.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Interesting
Simply stated.. Our second amendment is dead!
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
Just while driving
What a typical stupid law. If you are a good guy with a gun how are you supposed to use it to do good if it isn’t within your ability to get to it? Never mind.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
🧐
3min 20 seconds and you still haven't said jack sheit...
@Pagosa
7 ай бұрын
It’s been a while since I filmed this, but I don’t remember sitting silent for that long. Apologize
"Least friendly gun states" is pejorative. If the video was supposed to be informational only, that line blew it. "Having more restrictive laws" would have been better.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
Possibly, but stand by my statement as correct. Some states have reciprocity for gun carry licenses, yet have a less gun friendly culture that could make your interaction with a police officer / court a bit more unpleasant.
@mitchsmolow6268
2 жыл бұрын
@@Pagosa what you consider "least friendly" I consider responsible. And I am an Army vet who lives in heavily hunted rural Pennsylvania. I'm not looking to debate firearm policy, but if the video is not meant to be an opinion piece, you gave your opinion.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
@@mitchsmolow6268 I stated heavily that it was not legal advice, and this was my own take on it. So it's 100% an opinion piece. Thanks again.
@mitchsmolow6268
2 жыл бұрын
@@Pagosa All I'm saying is that if you are trying to build your channel to a wide audience you may want to reconsider your characterizations. That said, I've watched you from the beginning and of all your videos, your SmarterEveryDay recommendation was for me the highlight.
@RamblinRoadies
2 жыл бұрын
@@mitchsmolow6268 so vanilla is more attractive than Rocky Road?
Only in the good ol' U S of A is this subject not considered outrageous. The idea of folks carrying deadly weapons across the country is frightening to anyone who was born and raised in any developed country other than America.
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
It's true, but a subject that is relevant in the RV world
@Detroitblue
2 жыл бұрын
This is America. There are differences in every country which impact how people feel about certain practices. But you don't see people being thrown on the ground and forcibly jabbed on the streets here. The right to bare arms was installed in the Constitution because in times beyond rememberance citizens have suffered abuses that made it a good idea to have the ability to protect their land and lives. If you are camping outback in a $200,000 vehicle then the only people with the ability to use deadly force should not be the criminals.
@tqq-en4xc
2 жыл бұрын
I was raised in an european country and i dont think that any sane person would think that carrying ´firearms across the country is frightening in any way.
@cisco1dog
Жыл бұрын
@@tqq-en4xc sane? Giving up your rights is what most Americans find to be insane. Self defense is a God given right, government is restricted from infringing on, like speech, breathing, etc.
@tqq-en4xc
Жыл бұрын
@@cisco1dog The US government has started to take away rights since the 1930s, in a few decades you wont have any of your praised rights anymore. they dont care about constituitons and such
Get the info before giving advice. You will need fuel at some point. Wes MA, CT, NY and NJ don’t stop in these states.
@Pagosa
Жыл бұрын
At your own risk for sure
Imagine carrying a gun for your protection but having to keep it unloaded and away from you making it unreachable in case you need it right away. That's self-defeating! But it also makes me wonder what are some of the dangers that people RVing across the country face that would absolutely make them have to carry a firearm?
@Pagosa
2 жыл бұрын
I totally understand while driving, but as soon as you are in camp in a state that recognizes your right to have the firearm, you don't have to keep it locked up. At that point you are in your domicile. I think the dangers can be anywhere, and Keep Your Daydream actually mentioned they had a homeless person trying to get in their RV while in California late at night. Of course, a firearm is not welcome in California, so out of luck if he were to have succeeded in breaking in.
@maj.d.sasterhikes9884
Жыл бұрын
I would say the biggest danger you might face while camping in remote or wilderness locations would be other people.
@sharp3552
Жыл бұрын
Criminals are everywhere!
@darrinfry2251
Жыл бұрын
You mean you can get charged for having a loaded weapon even you're allowed to carry