How to transport weapons by car: rules and fines

Transportation of weapons is a responsible process that is regulated by certain legislative requirements. Minimal violations are fraught with fines and other unpleasant legal consequences.

When transporting weapons by car, we recommend that owners familiarize themselves with this material in advance. Here you will find basic information that will allow you to transport weapons in compliance with the law and avoid any controversial situations during inspection.

The law on the transportation of weapons by car in Ukraine operates on the basis of many regulatory legal acts and, in particular, the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 622 of August 21, 1998. This means that it is permitted to transport firearms, pneumatic weapons, bladed weapons and ammunition if the owner has a valid permit issued by the National Police.

General requirements include:

• Completely unloaded weapons, that is, no cartridges in the chamber and a detached magazine.
• The presence of a special cover, case or container that prevents the immediate use of the gun.
• As for the question of whether it is possible to carry weapons in the trunk, everything is simple here: the device can be there or in a specially equipped compartment. At the same time, transportation in the car without protection is prohibited.
• Ammunition is transported separately from the weapon, in packaging that meets safety requirements.

Some categories of weapons require additional requirements when transported in a vehicle. In particular, hunting firearms may only be transported for hunting purposes or to participate in shooting competitions.

Short-barreled traumatic guns may only be transported by law enforcement and judicial officers, journalists and other persons with special status and permission.

If we are talking about service weapons, then when transporting them, other special rules and requirements of the relevant authorities must be taken into account. In this case, we are also talking about service vehicles and special escorts.

A mandatory requirement for all gun owners is to have permits with them when transporting by car.

The list of documents for transporting weapons includes:

1. A valid permit for storing and carrying weapons issued by the National Police of Ukraine.
2. An internal passport or other identification document.
3. If we are talking about hunting weapons, a hunting license is required.
4. A separate permit for transportation for certain types of weapons or situations.

The absence of documents is a violation of official requirements, which may result in administrative liability, confiscation of weapons or fines.

As noted earlier, it is better to transport weapons in the trunk of a car. But according to the rules, the trunk must be equipped for this. In particular, we are talking about fastening or other forms of fixation. The thing is that without proper fixation during transportation, a gun can injure the driver and passengers, or simply fall out of sight at the moment when it is needed.

Another convenient place for storage is the glove compartment in the car. However, only a pistol (some oversized models) will fit there. And it may not be so easy to get it out quickly.

In the case of transporting long-barreled weapons, you need to get special mounts. For hunting weapons, a cover is required.

Popular mounts for transporting weapons:

1. Magnetic holders. Ideal suitable for pistols, can be mounted on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. When choosing, consider the weight of the pistol. Also, keep in mind that you will need to apply a certain amount of physical force to tear the pistol away from the magnet. The location of the magnetic holder is also important: it is important that the pistol does not spin in place when the car vibrates.
2. Safes. Special safes for transporting weapons in a car will help minimize the likelihood of theft. You can choose a safe of a special shape. However, keep in mind that often the place for its placement in the car will have to be additionally reinforced.
3. Vertical clamps. Classic devices with locks that snap open with one correct movement. To fix the rifle, you can use either a solid structure or separate clamps that are mounted in the car.
4. Mounts for ceiling. Quite a convenient option when transporting large weapons in the car. Less noticeable to potential robbers. But keep in mind that a special mount will be required here so that the barrel does not fall while moving.

Purchase covers made of dense materials with fasteners. We recommend attaching a tag with information about the device and its permit.

For storing ammunition, it is best to use plastic or metal containers that are locked with a key. The key is stored further from the safe.

Fines for improper transportation of weapons in a car are imposed if:

• there is no special permit and identification card;
• the weapon is transported loaded and not where it should be;
• the device is lying with ammunition;
• the route or purpose of the trip is violated;
• it is discovered that the gun is not registered.

The amount of the fine is determined by the severity of the violation. Often it is from 7 to 20 non-taxable minimums from income. In addition, the weapon can be confiscated for a while, the permit can be revoked, and even a criminal case can be initiated.

The first thing to consider when transporting weapons in a car is the availability of all permits and identification documents with a current validity period. Before the trip, check whether the weapon is unloaded and place it in the designated place in the car.

Comply with the stated purpose of the trip. In particular, this applies to a valid hunting license when transporting a hunting rifle.

If you are stopped by the police, behave calmly and do not make sudden movements, do not touch the weapon unless required to do so by a law enforcement officer. At the first request, present your documents and clearly explain the purpose of the trip - transportation to another storage location, hunting, competitions. And most importantly, do not provoke conflict situations, even if you are detained or the weapon is seized without reason. Just ask for a written explanation and seek legal assistance.

Any questions or want to learn how to shoot? Contact Darwin Club — our experts will tell you about all the nuances of choosing and properly transporting weapons, and will help you acquire the skill of accurate shooting in the shortest possible time.