Gun laws and the interstate transportation of handguns vary greatly from state to state. Visitors planning a trip to Oklahoma should be familiar with the state's gun laws before traveling with a firearm.
What may be lawful in one state may be unlawful in another including, but not limited to, the ability to lawfully carry a handgun either openly or concealed, with or without a permit, loaded or unloaded.
The allowance for carrying a handgun in a vehicle will also be different depending if a person has a permit honored in that state.
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Oklahoma recognizes any valid concealed carry weapons permit or license issued by another state. That said, any person in possession of a firearm authorized for concealed carry may continue to carry a concealed firearm and license Oklahoma.
The license from the other state must be valid. The gun must be carried fully concealed. It is important to also note that upon coming in contact with any peace officer of Oklahoma, the person must disclose the fact that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm and has a valid concealed carry weapons permit or license issued by another state.
Oklahoma also allows residents from a non-permitted carry state to carry a concealed handgun while in Oklahoma. Again, upon coming in contact with any peace officer of Oklahoma, the person must disclose the fact that he or she is in possession of a concealed handgun according to the non-permitting laws of the state in which he or she is a legal resident.
The person will need to possess proper identification by a valid photo ID as proof that he or she is a legal resident in such a non-permitting state. The Department of Public Safety shall keep a current list of non-permitting states for law enforcement officers to confirm that a state is non-permitting.
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Although the permit allows the holder to carry a concealed handgun in Oklahoma, the visiting permit holder will still be subject to the same laws and restrictions in the same manner that an Oklahoma permit holder must comply with the laws of the state.
This includes being familiar with prohibited carry locations, and the allowance of carrying in state parks and forests and roadside rest areas. Carrying a concealed handgun is not allowed in any buildings of those specific places.
While open carrying a handgun is legal in Oklahoma, you must have a valid permit or license. Oklahoma does have state preemption laws where local authorities cannot have laws or ordinances in regards to firearms, components, or ammunition.
However, if the owner or the person who is in legal control of the property or premises asks you to leave, you must leave. Failure to comply can result in charges.
Specific to a motor vehicle, in Oklahoma a permit holder may carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun in a vehicle, whether as the driver or passenger, loaded or unloaded. Without a permit, the unloaded handgun must be transported open.
The term "open" means the firearm is transported in plain view, in a case designed for carrying firearms, which is visible, in a gun rack mounted in the vehicle, in an exterior locked compartment, or a trunk of a vehicle.
Oklahoma state law is different from the federal law which states the unloaded firearm must be in a locked container not readily accessible by any of the occupants (excluding the glove box or console) such as the trunk, completely separated from ammunition.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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