Many commercial truck drivers have to deal with long hours, stops in unfamiliar locations, rest areas that are hard to get to, carrying valuable baggage, etc. (the list can go on and on). It makes sense to want to carry a gun for your own safety. But in practice, doing so raises a web of federal statutes, state rules and company policies and any mistake can lead to serious legal or employment consequences.
Here is a more in-depth look at the rules and best practices.
Understanding DOT Regulations on Firearms
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA, which is a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is in charge of commercial driving, doesn't have any rules that directly say you can or can’t carry a gun in your truck․
FMCSA's rules cover things like safety, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service and securing cargo, but you can find nothing related to carrying weapons.
In practice, this means that the federal trucking regulations don't answer the question. Instead, there are important rules you must follow to stay legal.
The DOT follows federal law and there's a law called the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) that allows people to transport (move) firearms from one place to another. But the gun must be:
Unloaded (meaning no bullets in the gun).
Stored in a locked container (meaning not in the glove box or somewhere easy to get to).
Even though this law is in place, every state you travel through has its own rules and they may not always match up with federal law. So, it’s important to know local laws where you’re driving.
State Laws on Firearms for Truck Drivers
Are there different laws in each state? The answer is yes, every state has different rules about carrying guns and you need to know them before driving through. Some states are okay with guns, but others are very strict.
Can Truck Drivers Carry Guns in California?
California and New York have the toughest laws. In California, it’s illegal to carry a loaded or even unloaded gun in your vehicle unless you have a special permit. These concealed carry permits are hard to get and many states only issue them in rare cases. Getting caught with a gun in your truck can lead to serious charges, even a felony.
New York has similar rules. Some guns that are legal in other parts of the state are completely banned in New York City. Drivers have been arrested there for having legal guns they brought from other states.
New Jersey, Illinois, and the New England states (like Massachusetts and Connecticut) are also known for strict gun laws. They often require special permits, and their police don’t take firearm violations lightly.
Because these laws vary so much, you could be legal in one state but breaking the law as soon as you cross another. That’s why checking each state’s gun laws before a trip is so important.
What About Federal Law, Doesn’t it Protect You?
There’s a federal rule called the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA), listed as 18 U.S. Code § 926A. It lets you move a gun between two places where it’s legal, but only if the gun is unloaded, locked up and out of reach. The ammunition must be stored separately.
However, some states don’t recognize that protection or have their own extra “safe storage” laws. So, even if you think you’re protected under FOPA, you could still get fined or arrested if a state disagrees. To stay safe, always double-check the rules in every state you’ll be driving through. Don’t rely only on the federal law.
Can Truckers Carry Guns Across State Lines?
Well, crossing the border with a gun in your truck is a bad idea. If your route takes you into Canada or Mexico, leave your firearm at home. Both countries have strict firearm laws, and you can get arrested or even banned from re-entering if you try to cross the border with a gun.
What Happens if You Break the Law?
You could face serious penalties, i.e. criminal charges, fines, lose your gun or even lose your license (CDL). Some companies will fire a driver immediately if they find out you were carrying a gun against the law.
Because the risks are so high, many truck drivers decide it’s not worth carrying a firearm when they travel between states. They choose other ways to stay safe, like pepper spray, dash cameras or planning stops in well-lit, secure places.
Company Policies and Employer Rules
Even if the law allows you to carry a firearm, your company might not. Most large trucking companies have a “no weapons” policy, even for legal guns. The companies usually have handbooks or safety manuals with these rules written.
Why do companies not allow guns in their trucks?
Insurance and responsibility: Something can go wrong anytime while driving. If there’s a road rage, for example, leading to a fight or worse, an accidental shooting, the company could be sued.
Concerns regarding safety: Companies want to prevent mishaps or miscommunications that might put other drivers or workers in danger.
Shipper requirements: Many warehouses, ports and customer sites don't allow guns on their property at all.
If you work for a carrier, ask your safety manager about their policy before you bring any kind of weapon. If your company forbids firearms and you carry one anyway, they can fire you immediately, even if you never use it.
If you’re an owner-operator, you have more freedom since you make your own rules. But even then, you must still follow all state and federal laws and remember that some shippers or delivery locations may have their own “no firearms” rules.
Safe Alternatives to Protect Drivers on the Road
You don't need a gun to stay safe on the road. There are a number of legal and safer ways to feel safe that are still within the law.
Here are a few ideas we’ve got for you:
Pepper sprays are small, easy to use, and legal in most states. They’re great for getting rid of threats without hurting them too much.
Taser or stun gun: Good for self-defense up close, but make sure they're legal where you are.
Dashcams: A camera in the front and one in the cabin can record everything around your truck. It keeps thieves away and gives you proof if someone causes trouble.
Personal safety training: Some companies may offer courses that teach drivers how to spot danger early and keep themselves safe without weapons.
Plan your stops: Only park in busy, well-lit truck stops or rest areas. Stay away from dark, shady places whenever you can.
These tips and tools can help you stay safe without risking your job or breaking the law.
So, can truck drivers carry guns?
Technically, yes, but it’s complicated. The DOT doesn’t forbid it, but state laws, company rules and border restrictions make it a tricky decision.
Before you carry a firearm, you need to:
Know the laws for every state you’ll travel through.
Check your company’s rules or lease agreement.
Think about safer alternatives like pepper spray or dash cameras.
Your safety matters, but so does your career. The smartest move is to stay informed, stay within the law and never assume what’s legal in one place is legal in another.