Transporting in Motor Vehicles
The transportation of loaded, concealed handguns in motor vehicles is
permitted, but strict obligations are imposed by the law to protect you
and law enforcement. These obligations apply to drivers and occupants.
These obligations do not apply if you are not transporting a loaded,
concealed handgun inside the vehicle.
You may not have a loaded handgun in the vehicle if you are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. You may not transport a loaded, concealed
handgun in a vehicle unless it is carried in one of the following ways:
The loaded handgun is in a holster secured on the person. Ohio law
previously required carrying firearms in holsters in plain sight. The
“plain sight” provision has been removed from the law.
NOTE: Under the law, a law enforcement officer has the authority to
take the handgun from you during a traffic stop or other encounter. It
will be returned upon completion of the stop and encounter.
WARNING:
If you are planning on carrying a concealed handgun while driving:
Have your concealed carry license and another piece of valid
government identification in your possession.
Make sure the handgun is:
In a holster secured on your person, or
In a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and
has a closing mechanism such as zipper, snap or buckle, or
Locked in your closed glove compartment, or
Locked in a case.
If you are pulled over and you are carrying a concealed handgun:
Before the officer approaches, roll down your window and place your
hands in plain view on the steering wheel.
Calmly tell the officer that you have a license to carry a concealed
handgun and that you have your handgun with you. Ask if the officer
has particular instructions concerning the handgun.
Do not touch or attempt to touch your handgun unless specifically told
to by the officer.
Do not exit your vehicle unless specifically told to by the officer.
Comply with all lawful orders given by the officer.
If you are a licensee and are not carrying a concealed handgun, this
section does not apply to you.
In addition to the concealed carry prohibitions detailed above, Ohio
has strict laws concerning firearms in a vehicle. If you DO NOT have a
concealed handgun license, you may not transport a loaded handgun in
any manner where it is accessible to anyone inside the vehicle without
leaving the vehicle. If you DO NOT have a license, you may not
transport a firearm in a vehicle unless it is unloaded and carried in one of
the following ways:
In a closed package, box or case;
In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle;
In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for that purpose;
In plain sight with the action open or the handgun stripped, or, if the
firearm is of a type in which the action will not stay open or cannot
easily be stripped, in plain sight.
That is taken from the Ohio CCL handbook updated as of March 14 2007. You can check
http://www.ag.state.oh.us/le/prevention/concealcarry/index.asp for up to date info.
