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

Carrying in Vehicles

General Rule

Montana has no prohibitions against carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle. This applies to both open and concealed carry within a vehicle. No permit is required to carry a firearm - whether loaded or unloaded, concealed or openly visible - in a motor vehicle anywhere in the state.

This is confirmed by both the Montana Department of Justice (Montana Highway Patrol FAQ) and multiple county sheriff offices across the state.

Constitutional Carry (HB 102)

On February 19, 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 102 into law, establishing constitutional carry throughout Montana. The law allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense throughout the state without a permit. This simplified Montana's previously fragmented concealed carry laws - which had different rules inside and outside city, town, and logging camp limits - into a single statewide standard.

Prior to HB 102, Montana law prohibited carrying concealed weapons inside city, town, or logging camp limits without a permit (MCA 45-8-316), but vehicle carry was already unrestricted regardless of location.

No Permit Required

• No concealed weapons permit (CWP) is needed to carry in a vehicle
• No requirement to inform law enforcement during a traffic stop (though voluntary disclosure is recommended as a courtesy)
• Both residents and visitors may carry firearms in vehicles

Restrictions That Still Apply in Vehicles

While vehicle carry itself is unrestricted, the following general prohibitions still apply:

• Carrying while intoxicated - MCA 45-8-327 prohibits carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of an intoxicating substance
• Prohibited persons - Felons, fugitives, and other persons prohibited under federal or state law may not possess firearms
• School property - No weapons, concealed or otherwise, are allowed in school buildings in Montana
• Federal property - Federal rules apply in national parks, military installations, post offices, and other federal facilities located in Montana

Prohibited Places (Even With a Permit)

When leaving your vehicle, be aware that even with a concealed weapons permit, you may not carry a concealed weapon in:

• Buildings owned or leased by federal, state, or local government
• Financial institutions (banks, credit unions)
• Any place where alcoholic beverages are sold, dispensed, and consumed
• School buildings

Local regulations may further restrict carrying at public meetings, in public parks, and in public buildings. Contact the local county sheriff for jurisdiction-specific restrictions.

Out-of-State Visitors

Non-residents may also carry firearms in vehicles in Montana without restriction. For carrying concealed outside a vehicle, Montana recognizes concealed weapons permits from most other states, provided:

• The issuing state requires a criminal records background check for permit issuance
• The permit is in the holder's physical possession
• The holder has valid photo identification

The Montana Attorney General's Office maintains a current list of recognized states. As of the most recent determination, permits from 43 states are recognized. States not recognized due to lack of background check requirements include: Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Note that Vermont does not appear on either list, as Vermont does not issue concealed carry permits (it has allowed permitless carry since statehood).

Relevant Statutes