Transportation Laws | Kentucky Concealed Carry

Kentucky Transportation Laws for Firearms

Transporting Firearms in a Vehicle

Kentucky law provides significant protections for transporting firearms in motor vehicles, regardless of whether the person holds a CCDW (Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon) license.

Key Statute: KRS 527.020(8) — Vehicle Storage Exception

Under KRS 527.020(8), a loaded or unloaded firearm or other deadly weapon shall not be deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in any of the following:

• Any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to:
  • Glove compartment
  • Center console
  • Seat pocket
• This applies regardless of whether the enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism

Prohibition on Restricting Vehicle Storage

No person or organization, public or private, shall prohibit a person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition, or both, or other deadly weapon in a vehicle in accordance with KRS 527.020(8).

• Any attempt by a person or organization, public or private, to violate this provision may be the subject of an action for appropriate relief or for damages in a Circuit Court or District Court of competent jurisdiction.

Important Exception

This vehicle storage subsection does not apply to any person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to KRS 527.040.

Concealed Carry Definition

Per KRS 527.020(1): "A person is guilty of carrying a concealed weapon when he or she carries concealed a firearm or other deadly weapon on or about his or her person." A firearm stored in a manufacturer-installed vehicle compartment as described above is explicitly excluded from this definition.

Penalties for Violations

Per KRS 527.020(9): Carrying a concealed weapon (outside the vehicle storage exception and without a license or constitutional carry authorization) is:

• A Class A misdemeanor for a standard violation
• A Class D felony if the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony in which a deadly weapon was possessed, used, or displayed

Minors Transporting Handguns — KRS 527.100

Persons under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from possessing, manufacturing, or transporting a handgun, with the following exceptions:

• Attendance at a hunter's safety course or firearms safety course
• Practice or target shooting at an established firing range or area where discharge is not prohibited
• Organized competition involving firearms, or participation in a 501(c)(3) performance group using firearms
• Hunting or trapping with a valid license
• Traveling to or from any of the above activities with an unloaded handgun
• On real property under the control of an adult with permission of that adult and the minor's parent/legal guardian
• At the minor's residence with parental/guardian permission when justified under KRS Chapter 503 (self-defense)

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor for the first offense; Class D felony for each subsequent offense.

Restricted Locations While Transporting

Even when transporting firearms in a vehicle, be aware of the following location restrictions:

• KRS 527.070 — Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property (whether carried openly or concealed), with certain specified exceptions
• KRS 244.125 — Loaded firearms (concealed or otherwise) are barred in places where alcohol is sold by the drink, with certain specified exceptions

Open Carry in Vehicles

There are no Kentucky Revised Statutes that generally govern the open carry of firearms by persons who lawfully possess such firearms, except for the school property and alcohol establishment restrictions noted above.

Out-of-State Peace Officers

A full-time paid peace officer from another state or territory, or an elected sheriff from another territory, may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky (on or off duty) if the other state or territory accords Kentucky peace officers and sheriffs the same rights by law. Reciprocal restrictions apply.

Federal Considerations

Kentucky's transportation laws do not address restrictions that may apply under federal law or on federal property. Persons transporting firearms should also be aware of applicable federal regulations, including those enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Note: The Kentucky State Police advises that the information provided on their website is for convenience and does not constitute formal legal opinion or legal advice. Persons with specific questions about transporting deadly weapons in a vehicle should consult an attorney.