Carrying a Gun in Your Car in Illinois: Vehicle Carry Laws

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles in Illinois

CCL Holders: Carrying in Vehicles

Under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/10(c)), a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL) permits the licensee to:

• Carry a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm, fully concealed or partially concealed, on or about his or her person (430 ILCS 66/10(c)(1))
• Keep or carry a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle (430 ILCS 66/10(c)(2))

Parking Lot Exception for Prohibited Areas

Under 430 ILCS 66/65(b), even when a CCL holder is prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm into the parking area of a prohibited location specified in subsection (a), (a-5), or (a-10), the following vehicle-related provisions apply:

• A licensee shall be permitted to carry a concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle into the parking area of a prohibited location.
• A licensee may store a firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view within the vehicle in the parking area.
• A licensee may carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding his or her vehicle within a prohibited parking lot area only for the limited purpose of storing or retrieving a firearm within the vehicle's trunk.
• For purposes of this provision, "case" includes:
  • A glove compartment or console that completely encloses the concealed firearm or ammunition
  • The trunk of the vehicle
  • A firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container

Important Exception: The parking lot exception does NOT apply to:

• Any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law (430 ILCS 66/65(a)(23))
• Property owned, leased, controlled, or used by a nuclear energy, storage, weapons, or development site or facility regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (430 ILCS 66/65(a)(22)) - a licensee shall not under any circumstance store a firearm or ammunition in his or her vehicle or in a compartment or container within a vehicle located anywhere on such property.

Traveling Through Prohibited Areas

Under 430 ILCS 66/65(c), a licensee shall not be in violation of the prohibited areas section while traveling along a public right of way that touches or crosses any prohibited premises, provided:

• The concealed firearm is carried on his or her person in accordance with the Concealed Carry Act, or
• The firearm is being transported in a vehicle in accordance with all other applicable provisions of law.

Duty to Disclose During Traffic Stops

Under 430 ILCS 66/10(h):

• If a law enforcement officer initiates an investigative stop, including a traffic stop, of a CCL licensee or a qualified non-resident carrying under subsection (e) of Section 40:
  • Upon the request of the officer, the licensee or non-resident shall disclose that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm, or present the license upon request.
  • Upon the request of the officer, the licensee or non-resident shall identify the location of the concealed firearm and permit the officer to safely secure the firearm for the duration of the investigative stop.
  • During a traffic stop, any passenger within the vehicle who is a licensee or qualified non-resident must also comply with these disclosure requirements.

Contact with Law Enforcement or Emergency Services

Under 430 ILCS 66/10(h-1):

• If a licensee carrying a firearm or a qualified non-resident carrying in a vehicle is contacted by law enforcement or emergency services personnel, the officer or personnel may secure the firearm or direct that it be secured during the contact if deemed necessary for safety.
• The licensee or non-resident shall submit to the order to secure the firearm.
• The firearm shall be returned before releasing the person from the scene, provided the person is not a threat and is physically and mentally capable of possessing the firearm.
• If the person is transported for treatment, the firearm shall be turned over to a peace officer who shall provide a receipt including the make, model, caliber, and serial number.

Non-CCL Holders: Transporting Firearms in Vehicles

Under 430 ILCS 66/10(g)(3), a person does not need to possess a CCL when the handgun is:

• Broken down in a non-functioning state,
• Not immediately accessible, or
• Unloaded and enclosed in a case.

Additionally, Illinois law (via FOID Act exemptions) provides that nonresidents whose firearms are unloaded and enclosed in a case are exempt from the FOID card requirement.

Prohibited Public Transportation

Under 430 ILCS 66/65(a)(8), CCL holders are prohibited from carrying concealed firearms on:

• Any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds
• Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds