Laws on carrying in your car in Louisiana

[Elisabeth LaFleur]

Hi, I want to know the laws concerning carrying a handgun in your car. I live in Louisiana and my parent has a licensed handgun that is left in my car with me for safety, but I am only 17 and not licensed for any type of gun. Is it illegal for me to have that gun with me in my car and be concealed under a car seat? Would I possibly be arrested if I were to be pulled over and an officer found the handgun?

 

[DocRock]

Welcome to THR. As far as I know, at 17, you may not possess a handgun. The applicable law regarding motor vehicles is referenced and quoted in page 8 of the attached. It is however your responsibility to ensure that law is current. This is something you ought to discuss with your parents.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAKegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw0GkGyE1TfAkkgozrR_nJ1x

 

[Rule3]

Best talk with your parents local Law enforcement. I sure hope you are not a student and driving to school!

 

[Jack B.]

This may contain the info you are looking for . Just click on your state and follow the prompts.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/updates.htm

 

[bearcreek]

Hi, I want to know the laws concerning carrying a handgun in your car. I live in Louisiana and my parent has a licensed handgun that is left in my car with me for safety, but I am only 17 and not licensed for any type of gun. Is it illegal for me to have that gun with me in my car and be concealed under a car seat? Would I possibly be arrested if I were to be pulled over and an officer found the handgun?

Just FYI, LA does not have any sort of firearm licensing, so it's not possible for your parent to have a "licensed handgun" and if a person has a concealed carry permit there, it isn't a license for a specific firearm, it's a license to carry any handgun concealed. According to the info that I was able to find, a person can legally open carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle at the age of 17 in LA. No cop or judge in that state or any other cares about the opinion or interpretation of any member on this forum though so it's best to do the research and get the info from the official sources yourself. Here are some resources to start.
https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78747
https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=78741
http://handgunlaw.us/states/louisiana.pdf
https://opencarry.org/state-info-i-m/louisiana/

Welcome to THR. As far as I know, at 17, you may not possess a handgun.

Incorrect actually. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78747

 

[James Collins]

For sure need to talk with you parents. But I’m inclined as to why you asked this because sound like your smart enough to know you shouldn’t carry a gun in your car unlicensed and under age.

 

[bearcreek]

For sure need to talk with you parents. But I’m inclined as to why you asked this because sound like your smart enough to know you shouldn’t carry a gun in your car unlicensed and under age.

Check out the links I posted. When it comes to the question she's asking, she's not underage and she doesn't need a license.

 

[CapnMac]

Precisely. Federal law says a 17 y/o cannot purchase a firearm. But, makes no mention of possession. And, nothing in my admittedly cursory and non-expert scan of Louisiana law shows no bar to possession, just to purchase. Carry on person and carry within vehicle (two distinctly different things) is better covered above.

 

[DocRock]

Incorrect actually. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78747

I stand corrected.

 

[jkingrph]

Just FYI, LA does not have any sort of firearm licensing, so it's not possible for your parent to have a "licensed handgun" and if a person has a concealed carry permit there, it isn't a license for a specific firearm, it's a license to carry any handgun concealed. According to the info that I was able to find, a person can legally open carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle at the age of 17 in LA. No cop or judge in that state or any other cares about the opinion or interpretation of any member on this forum though so it's best to do the research and get the info from the official sources yourself. Here are some resources to start.
https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78747
https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=78741
http://handgunlaw.us/states/louisiana.pdf
https://opencarry.org/state-info-i-m/louisiana/

Incorrect actually. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78747

Look at the link for incorrect actually Section c seems to indicate with written permission from parents or guardian it may be legal. I have been out of La for 50 years and am not certain. I would want opinion of a lawyer and or law enforcement on this one.

I got off I 20 about 10 years ago and a sheriff's deputy stopped me. Said my texas vehicle registration was out of date, I had just renewed the day before and pointed that out so he said computers probably had not updated. My passenger door was open and I pointed out a loaded 45 and he simply said don't worry, we are gun friendly. I replied I know, planning to go to Ouachita parish range the next day.