Ever heard of 18 U.S.C. § 926a?
If you travel with firearms, you should tattoo that number on your brain. Known as the "Safe Harbor" provision of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA), this federal law gives lawful gun owners the right to transport unloaded firearms across state lines—even through hostile territory—as long as they follow strict rules.
It only protects you while you’re actively transporting the gun—so no sightseeing, no detours and definitely no overnight stops in states where your gun isn’t welcome. If you’re rolling through with your Glock in a locked case, ammo separate and you're not breaking any laws at your departure or destination, you’re covered. But stop for pizza in New York or dock your boat overnight in Jersey? You might as well have mailed an invite to a prosecutor. Know the law. Follow it. Or risk becoming the next cautionary tale.
