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

Carrying in Vehicles

Constitutional Carry in Vehicles

Since September 2, 2023, Nebraska's Constitutional Carry law (LB 77) permits any person who is 21 years of age or older and not a prohibited person to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit. This applies to both residents and non-residents traveling through Nebraska.

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01, "a person, other than a minor or prohibited person may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska, with or without a permit under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act."

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ (statepatrol.nebraska.gov)

Open Carry in Vehicles

Open carrying a firearm is not statutorily prohibited by Nebraska law. This applies to carrying openly in a vehicle as well.

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ

Travelers Passing Through Nebraska

The Nebraska State Patrol addresses this directly: the provisions of §28-1202.01 apply to both residents and non-residents when carrying a firearm within the State of Nebraska. No permit is required for non-prohibited persons age 21 or older.

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ

No Limit on Number of Handguns

Nebraska statute does not limit the number of concealed handguns a person may carry concealed on or about their person. Carrying more than one concealed handgun is not a violation of law. This applies whether on foot or in a vehicle.

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ

Prohibited Places While Driving

Even while transiting by vehicle, concealed carry is prohibited in certain locations under Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01. Prohibited places include:

• Police stations, sheriff offices, and Nebraska State Patrol offices
• Detention facilities, prisons, and jails
• Courtrooms or buildings containing a courtroom
• Polling places
• Meetings of governing bodies of counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions
• Meetings of the Legislature or a committee of the Legislature
• Financial institutions
• Professional or semiprofessional athletic events
• Public or private schools, colleges, career schools, or universities
• Places of worship
• Hospitals
• Political rallies or fundraisers

Note: Property owners retain the right to forbid weapons on their property, including parking areas. Individuals carrying firearms in prohibited places may be subject to arrest on applicable firearm and/or trespassing charges.

Source: Douglas County Sheriff (sheriff.douglascounty-ne.gov); Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01

Concealed Handgun Permit Still Available

Although a permit is no longer required to carry concealed in a vehicle, the Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) program remains active. Benefits of maintaining a CHP include:

• Reciprocity with other states that honor Nebraska permits
• May be used in place of a purchase certificate when buying a handgun

The Nebraska State Patrol continues to process initial, renewal, data change, and lost/stolen permit applications.

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ

Prohibited Persons

Minors (under 21) and prohibited persons under state or federal law may not carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle or elsewhere. It is the individual's responsibility to know whether they are a prohibited person. Criminal history information can be requested from the Nebraska State Patrol.

Source: Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ

Key Statute

• Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01 - Governs concealed carry of handguns, including in vehicles, listing prohibited places and eligibility requirements

Recent Legislative Changes

• LB 77 (Constitutional Carry) - Signed by Governor Jim Pillen on April 26, 2023; effective September 2, 2023. Allows law-abiding Nebraskans 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, including in vehicles.