Can I have a handgun in my vehicle in Arkansas?

[stang67]

I don't yet have a CC permit but often keep a handgun in my vehicle when traveling between LA and MS, as I understand to be perfectly legal in those states. Will be going to AR soon and I'm not able to understand if I am allowed to do so there. The law says this ...

It is unlawful for a person to possess a handgun on or about his person, in a vehicle occupied by him, or otherwise readily available for use, with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ it as a weapon against a person.

Does that mean that I'm legal so long as I'm not attempting to use it for an illegal purpose? It seems like that last phrase has been added recently, so I think they've made an attempt to relax the law a bit. Thought others here might know. Thanks ahead of time!

[cupnglide]

I don't have an answer. But it's a questioned I've wondered, too. The residents debated it on one of the AR sites. For them, they must be "on a journey" as the law states. There's also some limits and considerations concerning with in a county or across county lines. I have seen nothing that clearly states OOSer reciprocity rules / rights.

[stang67]

Thanks for the response. I read about the 'journey' part, too.

[Greenhead22]

Just talked to a cop in Ark. It has to be unloaded and cased. Cannot be in the console, side door or glove box. If you don't have a CCP, then you'll be considered "carrying a weapon" if loaded.

[cupnglide]

Did he say what applies to OOSers with a CCP?

[Greenhead22]

He said conceal it.

[stang67]

Doesn't sound like they've been told to pay any attention to the "with purpose to attempt..." part. Noted. I'll spend as little time and money in their state as I can.

[Greenhead22]

I've had mine loaded in the side of my door for the 10 yrs I've hunted up there. Glad I just found out.

[duramax]

MS is the only state I know of that has the "extension of your home" law where you don't need a handgun carry permit to have a loaded gun in your car. In TN, we don't have Concealed Carry permits. It's just a Hangun Carry Permit as you can legally carry open if you're wanting pretend to be a badass. Safe bet is just get a carry permit and you can go most places. Otherwise you need to have it unloaded and cased.

[duramax]

I don't have an answer. But it's a questioned I've wondered, too. The residents debated it on one of the AR sites. For them, they must be "on a journey" as the law states. There's also some limits and considerations concerning with in a county or across county lines. I have seen nothing that clearly states OOSer reciprocity rules / rights.

Here's the reciprocity rules for MS permits:

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/mississippi.pdf

Key word though is 'permit'. You need to have one if you want to have it loaded on your person or in your car in Arkansas (or other states). Unloaded and cased is not an issue.

[cwink]

RV/Car Carry Without a Permit/License starts at the bottom of Page


http://handgunlaw.us/states/arkansas.pdf

[stang67]

Thanks, but the link has the same vague language that was of no use and caused me to post here.

[cwink]

Thanks, but the link has the same vague language that was of no use and caused me to post here.

Yep.. I just reread the post.. You are correct..

[marionfd708]

I'll spend as little time and money in their state as I can.

Make it simple,,,,just don't come at all.

[duramax]

RV/Car Carry Without a Permit/License starts at the bottom of Page


http://handgunlaw.us/states/arkansas.pdf

Bottom of Page 7 to be clear. What not clear is whether they are including the handgun to be loaded or not. That is some weird vague language by saying it's only considered illegal if you use it (or plan to use it) to harm someone. Last time I checked, Time Cop isn't a thing yet.