Question about firearms

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Riotside, Jul 30, 2022.

  1. stoan

    stoan Bobtail Member

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    Both, my first, and my current Florida permits where good for 8 1/2 years.
     
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  3. stoan

    stoan Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2014
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    Looking through my stuff, I've had three permits [man, I'm getting old] first one was good for 6 years.
     
  4. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Dont go to Canada if your carrying, The Canook's take a real dim view of Handguns these days.
     
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  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    The only 2 ways to be legal everywhere is
    1) be a retired/active cop with a badge, or 2) don't carry. You are required to obey the laws of any jurisdiction you occupy or pass through.

    In NJ just having hollow-point ammo is a crime. As you may know, hollow-point ammo is the standard self-defense type of ammo.

    Almost no company is going to authorize you to be armed in their truck. If you ask them the question you only put yourself on the "watch carefully list".

    This question is asked often. Search for them and read the threads. There is no special law for truck drivers. There are risks associated with having a weapon and other risks of not being armed. Both options can rapidly escalate a less serious situation into one that ends your job/career or your life.
     
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Each state has their own laws as to what qualifies as how any weapon must be handled for transportation. I would strongly suggest you NOT ask truck drivers about firearms. This is a legal question and truck drivers do not receive legal training. The National Rifle Assoc's Institute for Legal Affairs has a good web site helping to explain the legal basics. Same with Gun Owners of America. Their info is reviewed by lawyers.

    Don't bet your life or liberty on some truck driver's opinion. Ask the gun people or lawyers. Read the past threads.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2022
  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I was of the same opinion in the past. Numerous trucking magazines have published articles over the years from attorneys. Even truck drivers in CMVs have the same 4th & 5th Amendment rights of other citizens. Cops can only search to verify FMCSA items or with driver/owner consent, or with probable cause that a crime has been committed. A warrant is necessary without consent.

    It doesn't matter if a driver lives in the truck full-time, declares his truck is his home or church, or a sovereign nation. Consent or warrant is necessary for a cop to search your truck. Probable cause is required to get a warrant.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2022
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  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    No state is going to recognize your state laws. If you want the best chance of being legal get your state concealed carry permit or handgun permit. 36 of the states generally recognize each other's permits.
     
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  9. RuralTrucker

    RuralTrucker Light Load Member

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    Jul 21, 2022
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    Most carriers won't allow it. Most customers have signs posted stating that it's not allowed on their property. Your truck will never be searched entering customer property. As for your carrier, here is the risk you run: You have your firearm(s) and ammunition. At at some point you get assigned to another truck. Whilst cleaning your old truck for the next driver, a live round is found. You were the last one assigned to the truck. Guess who is in deep ####? It's not worth it.

    Correction: My experience has been that a customer will never search a truck. Apparently, entering certain types of facilities may lead to a searching of the truck.

    I haven't held a firearm since days in the Army, so I really don't concern myself with the particular laws regarding legally owning and possessing a firearm. My honest opinion is that I wouldn't risk it. At some point you will likely find yourself having overlooked some obscure law in one of the states and then Murphy's Law takes effect. Your freedom and job security are worth more than the false security that a locked away firearm provide.

    Not trying to trigger an argument, but I do encourage you to think logically. You say that you will be sneaky in making sure your company and others don't see your firearm onboard. That sounds reasonable. How do you do this while keeping it accessible to use when you see the moment calls for it? There is no underneath the seat in a tractor. Any cabinetry is easily accessible by maintenance techs. I just don't see how you will be able to keep it secretly stowed away while having access to it in a threatening situation, not without being human and slipping up.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2022
  10. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Thanks for the info.
     
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  11. snowlauncher

    snowlauncher Road Train Member

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    If you have to enter a military installation, the MP's will ask if you have any weapons. I would recommend you tell them the truth. The dogs can smell gunpowder and if you're caught lying you could be arrested. If you are carrying and you tell them then they won't let you enter unless you get rid of it. They are not allowed to check civilian weapons at the gate, so the disposition will be your problem before you enter. This could cause a bit of a dilemma for a driver in a strange town trying to figure out where to leave a gun for safekeeping... just something to think about.
     
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