Leaving for a trip in 3 days, CHL reciprocity?

[XD45]

I am leaving DFW for a couple weeks to Philadelphia, PA on the 5th, and was wondering a few things, first of all though, here are the states I should be traveling through and whether or not they're reciprocal with Texas CHL holders:

DFW, Texas
ARKANSAS - Reciprocal as of February 18, 1998
TENNESSEE - Reciprocal as of August 30, 2000
VIRGINIA - Reciprocal as of September 1, 2005
WEST VIRGINIA - Not Reciprocal, No carry
MARYLAND - Not Reciprocal, No carry
DELAWARE - Reciprocal as of November 1, 2005.
Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA - Reciprocal as of February 28, 2005

I will not be driving, I will be a passenger, the driver does not have a CHL. We'll be traveling in a newer 06 Mustang GT and should be dressed reasonably nice since we're heading to a wedding, so hopefully we won't be confused with vagrants or anything But all that's beside the point.

1. Does anyone see any mistakes I've made or things in general I should know about carrying through any of these states?

2. Will I be protected under traveling laws in states that aren't reciprocal? Should I just avoid getting out in Maryland and West Virginia altogether?

3. What should I do with my handgun(s) while traveling through these states that are not reciprocal? If I carried them on my person, and was asked to step out of the vehicle, I would be afraid of an officer claiming I'm no longer traveling and would throw me in jail, but I would also be afraid of trying to hide handguns or pull them out and stick them somewhere in the middle of any situation I could imagine happening involving an LEO, not to mention possibly getting shot or having to tell the officer "Sorry sir, let me pull this here gun out and stick it in the glove box so I'm not breaking the law, then I'll comply with your orders!"

And these states are reciprocal with Texas: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Deleware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, Vermont - Thought I'd just list them and bring them with me since we may take detours on the way home.

[KFP]

Looks like you're on the right track for figuring out where you'll be able to carry - the key is learning how the laws of the state that you're in at the time differ from Texas. A good source for laws state by state is http://www.handgunlaw.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Because you're going through so many states, it may not be a bad idea to print out the regulations, as well as the reciprocity info, just in case.

Notification regulations may be one of the most import things to look for because that will set the tone of any interaction that you may have with an LEO. I would not notify if not required by law in that state, I just think that it opens a can of worms that doesn't need to be opened in areas where officers may not look favorably upon it.

In Maryland, I would keep the gun in the trunk, in a locked case, with mags empty and ammo separate.

"Traveling" seems to be a regionalized issue that is not recognized by the majority of states, so make sure that you're good to go carrying on your Texas CHL.

IIRC, while West Virginia does not recognize a Texas CHL, they are an open carry state. Again, I'd look into it further if that's the way you decide to go - if not I'd do the same as I would in Maryland.

Enjoy your trip!

[mr surveyor]

I was under the impression that the hard core "no-no" states required that you seperate the gun and ammunition and completely secure them in a different compartment from the passenger compartment (trunk), but I may be proven wrong

surv

[Oldgringo]

I have somewhat the same dilema: we're headed up the Oregon coast (no reciprocity) from Colorado in the next week or so. Oregon is an open carry state. I guess I'll just hope the liberals, etc. don't get us before we cross into Idaho.

[LaserTex]

Are you askiing someone to do the research for you?

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Texas+CHL+reciprocity&l=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Doug

[XD45]

Are you askiing someone to do the research for you?

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Texas+CHL+reciprocity&l=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Doug

It would be great if you bothered to read a few words in the post next time.

[Kevinf2349]

A wise man once told me to take a list of pro-gun senators and representatives for each state with you too.....just in case of any issue in the reciprocy states.

[boomerang]

3. What should I do with my handgun(s) while traveling through these states that are not reciprocal? If I carried them on my person, and was asked to step out of the vehicle, I would be afraid of an officer claiming I'm no longer traveling and would throw me in jail, but I would also be afraid of trying to hide handguns or pull them out and stick them somewhere in the middle of any situation I could imagine happening involving an LEO, not to mention possibly getting shot or having to tell the officer "Sorry sir, let me pull this here gun out and stick it in the glove box so I'm not breaking the law, then I'll comply with your orders!"

I think you would be committing a crime to have a concealed handgun on your person in the car in WV and MD.

I think WV allows unhidden handguns in your car. If you had more time you could pay $25 for a PA license and be able to carry concealed in West Virginia with Pennsylvania reciprocity. A permit from Florida should work too. (Otherwise, if you don't want to carry in the open, the trunk is a good option in WV.)

I personally wouldn't transport a handgun through Maryland or DC, even unloaded and locked up in the trunk.

IANAL

[The Annoyed Man]

A good source for laws state by state is http://www.handgunlaw.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just be aware that handgunlaw.us is not completely current. I have a non-resident UTah CFP. As of about a week ago, the handgunlaw.us website showed that West Virginia recognizes my Utah CFP, and that information is dated 07/01/09. However, West Virginia recently changed and decreed that it only recognizes resident Utah permits, and that I may not therefore carry in West Virginia under the authority of my Utah CFP. That information is not current on handgunlaw.us.

For that reason, it is better, although less convenient, to actually research the Attorneys General or Public Safety websites for each of the states through which you will be traveling.

[apostate]

Just be aware that handgunlaw.us is not completely current. I have a non-resident UTah CFP. As of about a week ago, the handgunlaw.us website showed that West Virginia recognizes my Utah CFP, and that information is dated 07/01/09. However, West Virginia recently changed and decreed that it only recognizes resident Utah permits, and that I may not therefore carry in West Virginia under the authority of my Utah CFP. That information is not current on handgunlaw.us.

I can't speak to handgunlaw.us data currency, but I believe you have that slightly backward. Until last month, WV only honored licenses from other states if the license holder was a resident of the issuing state. They relaxed that to allow non-resident licenses if the license holder is 21+ and not a WV resident (and there's a reciprocity agreement in place, etc.)

For that reason, it is better, although less convenient, to actually research the Attorneys General or Public Safety websites for each of the states through which you will be traveling.

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Statu ... =RS&i=3314

[shootthesheet]

In the states you cannot carry the guns must be locked-up properly as you know.

I would spend the next few days printing out verified state laws and arrange them to take with you. The northeastern states are either hostile or looking for a way to be. You need to insure the state has laws restricting local governments from enacting laws that would entrap you (preemption). They are meant to follow the federal traveling law but have been known to try to get around them. Cities are a problem even with state control of firearm laws. Philadelphia is trying to make laws of their own even though the state is fighting it. Doesn't mean you won't end up in the middle of a fight and pay big for it. I have heard much of DE can be hostile to even legal carry.

The point of this all is to encourage you to Know before you GO. Do not rely on non-official sites but the states sights themselves. Even that is not a guarantee. Make sure the vehicle is in order and all laws are obeyed so they don't have a reason to harass you. Also understand you are under the authority of the law of the state you are in. Don't expect just because you have a CHL you will not get slammed even for a legal shoot or carry. Don't assume anything because Texas is not the same as any other state. Make sure the magazines and guns you take are legal too. I don't know these states but some may not allow mags over a capacity of 10 rounds. I don't know because I have not checked them. Some do not allow certain kinds of handguns or ammo. I hope I am telling you what you already know but am writing it to make sure you and others understand it is not a simple thing. If you are not educated and ready you can get into real trouble for even legal actions.

[The Annoyed Man]

Just be aware that handgunlaw.us is not completely current. I have a non-resident UTah CFP. As of about a week ago, the handgunlaw.us website showed that West Virginia recognizes my Utah CFP, and that information is dated 07/01/09. However, West Virginia recently changed and decreed that it only recognizes resident Utah permits, and that I may not therefore carry in West Virginia under the authority of my Utah CFP. That information is not current on handgunlaw.us.

I can't speak to handgunlaw.us data currency, but I believe you have that slightly backward. Until last month, WV only honored licenses from other states if the license holder was a resident of the issuing state. They relaxed that to allow non-resident licenses if the license holder is 21+ and not a WV resident (and there's a reciprocity agreement in place, etc.)

For that reason, it is better, although less convenient, to actually research the Attorneys General or Public Safety websites for each of the states through which you will be traveling.

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Statu ... =RS&i=3314

And here is the West Virginia Attorney General's reciprocity map on his website: http://www.wvago.gov/gunrecep.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

According to that map, Utah has reciprocity with WV. However, when you click on Utah on that map, the site displays the following: "West Virginia has full reciprocity with Utah. (Resident Permits)" Therefore, my non-resident Utah CFP is not recognized by WV. I considered a PA license, so I could pick up WV, but even for PA it says that only resident licenses are required. There is (or recently was) a bill currently before the WV state senate that would recognize all permits issued by states with which they have reciprocity, non-resident states included, but I can find nothing indicating that it has passed both houses of their legislature and has been signed into law. Consequently, the most reliable data we have access to is the WV AG's reciprocity map I have linked above, and it clearly states that a resident permit is required.

IANAL and all that, but if I were dispensing advice to someone else, that is what I would tell them.

[tarkus]

And here is the West Virginia Attorney General's reciprocity map on his website: http://www.wvago.gov/gunrecep.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I went to that website and here's what it said.

Notice!
This office has reached updated reciprocity agreements with the states of South Carolina, Florida and Pennsylvania. It is anticipated that updated agreements will be reached in the near future with Arizona, Tennessee, Virginia and Utah as updated agreements have been sent to them. Updated agreements were necessary given the 2009 Legislature’s passage and the Governor’s approval of H.B. 3314. In part, H.B. 3314 allowed West Virginia for the first time to honor non-resident licenses issued by reciprocity states. The law went into effect July 10, 2009.

[KFP]

Now I'm curious....

[The Annoyed Man]

I went to that website and here's what it said.

Notice!
This office has reached updated reciprocity agreements with the states of South Carolina, Florida and Pennsylvania. It is anticipated that updated agreements will be reached in the near future with Arizona, Tennessee, Virginia and Utah as updated agreements have been sent to them. Updated agreements were necessary given the 2009 Legislature’s passage and the Governor’s approval of H.B. 3314. In part, H.B. 3314 allowed West Virginia for the first time to honor non-resident licenses issued by reciprocity states. The law went into effect July 10, 2009.

Well that's great! I didn't see that last part. Maybe I need new glasses?

OTH, where does that leave reciprocity with Texas? Nowhere, at this point. However, it does look like my Utah CFP will be good there in the near future.