Transport | Nebraska Concealed Carry

Transportation Laws

Concealed Carry in Vehicles

Nebraska is a permitless carry state. Under 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. This applies to both residents and non-residents when carrying a firearm within the State of Nebraska.

Nebraska generally does not require firearms in vehicles to be unloaded or locked.

Prohibited Vehicle Carry: Loaded Shotguns on Highways

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §37-522, Nebraska prohibits carrying a loaded shotgun in or on any vehicle on any highway. This prohibition applies regardless of concealed carry status.

Parking Areas of Restricted Locations

Nebraska law allows individuals to carry concealed handguns in a vehicle, even in the parking area of a location where concealed handgun possession is generally prohibited. Under §28-1202.01, the only requirement is that prior to exiting the vehicle, the person must lock the handgun inside:

• The glove box
• The trunk
• Another compartment of the vehicle, or
• A storage box securely attached to the vehicle

School Zone Exceptions

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1204.04(1), a person may possess a firearm within a vehicle in a safe school zone if:

1. He or she is an adult nonstudent and the firearm is unloaded and encased or in a locked gun rack in or on the vehicle; or
2. He or she is a concealed handgun permit holder and the handgun is carried concealed.

Firearms, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances in Vehicles

Legislation enacted in 2023 (effective September 10, 2023) amended Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202(3) to allow a person who is consuming alcohol or has previously consumed alcohol or any controlled substance remaining in their blood, urine, or breath to store or transport a firearm in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, provided all three conditions are met:

1. The firearm is unloaded
2. The firearm is kept separate from ammunition
3. The firearm is enclosed in a case

A "case" is defined as:

• A hard-sided or soft-sided box, container, or receptacle intended or designed for the primary purpose of storing or transporting a firearm, or
• The firearm manufacturer's original packaging

This also permits transporting the firearm directly to or from a motor vehicle to or from any place where the person may lawfully possess or carry that firearm, subject to the same conditions.

Employer-Owned Vehicles

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §69-2441(4), an employer may prohibit employees from carrying concealed handguns in vehicles owned by the employer.

Snowmobile Restrictions

• Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-6,342 - Prohibits the possession of a shotgun or rimfire rifle while operating or riding on a snowmobile unless the long gun is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.
• Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-6,344 - Prohibits the owner of a snowmobile from allowing any person to operate the snowmobile while possessing a shotgun or rifle unless it is unloaded and encased.

Law Enforcement Contact

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.04, Nebraska law establishes procedures for contact with law enforcement or emergency medical services while carrying a concealed handgun. Concealed handgun permit holders should be familiar with these requirements.

Permit holders are required to carry their permit documentation as specified in §28-1202.03.

Federal Interstate Travel Protections

Under 18 U.S.C. §926A (the Firearms Owners' Protection Act), any person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where they may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where they may lawfully possess and carry such firearm, provided the firearm is unloaded and neither the firearm nor ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In vehicles without a separate trunk, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

This federal protection applies when traveling through Nebraska from another state, even if Nebraska's own laws might otherwise restrict the manner of carry.

Key Statutes Reference