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

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles in Oregon

General Rule: Concealed Handguns in Vehicles

Under ORS 166.250(1)(b), a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly possesses a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle.

This is a Class A misdemeanor (ORS 166.250(5)).

What Constitutes "Readily Accessible"

ORS 166.250(4) defines when a handgun is "readily accessible":

• (a) General rule: A handgun is readily accessible if it is within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

• (b) Vehicles without external storage: If a vehicle (other than a motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile) has no storage location outside the passenger compartment, a handgun is not readily accessible if:

  • The handgun is stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console, or other container; AND
  • The key is not inserted into the lock (if the container unlocks with a key).

• (c) Motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles: A handgun is not readily accessible if:

  • The handgun is in a locked container within or affixed to the vehicle; OR
  • The handgun is equipped with a trigger lock or other locking mechanism that prevents discharge.

Open Carry in Vehicles

ORS 166.250(3): Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section. This applies to carrying in vehicles as well.

Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Holders

Persons holding a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) issued under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 are exempt from the prohibition on carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle (ORS 166.260(1)(i)).

Important: Oregon generally does not recognize concealed handgun licenses from other states. If you want to carry a concealed handgun in Oregon, you will need an Oregon CHL.

Other Exemptions (ORS 166.260)

The following persons are also exempt from the vehicle carry restrictions under ORS 166.250:

• (a) Parole and probation officers, police officers, or reserve officers (as defined in ORS 181A.355)
• (b) Federal officers, certified reserve officers, or corrections officers acting within the scope of employment
• (c) Honorably retired law enforcement officers (unless convicted of a disqualifying offense)
• (d) Persons summoned by law enforcement to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace
• (e) Merchants transporting unloaded firearms as merchandise
• (f) Active or reserve members of the armed forces when on duty
• (3)(a) Members of shooting clubs going to and from target ranges (except persons otherwise prohibited)
• (3)(b) Licensed hunters or fishermen while engaged in hunting or fishing, or going to/from a hunting or fishing expedition (except persons otherwise prohibited)

Residence Exception

ORS 166.250(2)(b): Any U.S. citizen over 18 who resides in or is temporarily in Oregon (and is not a prohibited person) may own, possess, or keep a handgun at their place of residence or place of business without a permit. "Residence" includes a recreational vessel or recreational vehicle while used as residential quarters.

Portland City Ordinance — Loaded Firearms in Vehicles

Portland City Code 14A.60.010 makes it unlawful to knowingly possess or carry a loaded firearm (or a firearm with a loaded magazine/clip) in or upon a public place, including while in a vehicle in a public place.

Exceptions to the Portland ordinance include:

• Police officers and peace officers (active or honorably retired)
• Military members on official duty
• Persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun
• Persons authorized under ORS 166.370
• Licensed hunters/fishermen going to/from hunting or fishing
• Persons traveling to/from established target ranges

Enhanced penalty: When the offense involves carrying a loaded firearm containing ammunition with gunpowder propellant in a vehicle (including a transit vehicle), the court must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days.

Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ORS 821.240 makes it an offense to operate a snowmobile or ATV with a firearm unless the firearm is unloaded.

"Unloaded" means (ORS 821.240(3)):

• Revolver: No live cartridge in the chamber aligned with the hammer
• Muzzle-loading firearm: Not capped or primed
• Other firearms: No live cartridge in the chamber

Exemptions from the ATV/snowmobile firearm restriction (ORS 821.240(2)):

• Persons licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun
• Law enforcement officers
• Honorably retired law enforcement officers (unless convicted of a disqualifying offense)

Violation is a Class B traffic violation.

Local Authority to Regulate Loaded Firearms in Public Places

ORS 166.173 authorizes cities and counties to adopt ordinances regulating possession of loaded firearms in public places (which can include vehicles in public places). However, such ordinances do not apply to:

• Law enforcement officers
• Military members on official duty
• Persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun
• Persons authorized under ORS 166.370
• Honorably retired law enforcement officers (unless disqualified)

Key Takeaways for Vehicle Carry