← North Dakota firearms laws›Transporting Firearms
North Dakota Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: In North Dakota you may not keep or carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle unless an exception applies.
In North Dakota you may not keep or carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle unless an exception applies. A loaded handgun is allowed if you are 18 or older, not a prohibited person, and carry a valid driver's license or state ID, or if you hold a North Dakota license or a recognized out-of-state license. Otherwise, carry the handgun unloaded and in plain view or secured. Breaking the vehicle rule is an infraction.
Official source: ndlegis.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering North Dakota
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- MinnesotaConditional
With no Minnesota permit or recognized out-of-state permit, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and fully enclosed in a closed, fastened case made for firearms. The handgun statute does not list a closed trunk by itself, so use the case even in the trunk. A permit holder may carry it in the vehicle under the permit.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
- MontanaPermitted
Montana has no prohibition on carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle, loaded or unloaded, and no permit is needed.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dojmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
- South DakotaPermitted
No permit is needed to carry a pistol in a private vehicle in South Dakota, concealed or not, if you are 18 or older and may lawfully possess it. Residents and visitors are treated alike. On public elementary or secondary school premises, only someone holding a South Dakota concealed pistol permit may keep a pistol in a vehicle. Without one, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
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