Tennessee Ridge Runners
Legal Information

Legal Information
One of the questions that members often ask is how to legally transport their firearms to and from matches. This is a complex issue that varies from state to state.

One of Our members John Pierce is an NRA instructor who teaches the concealed carry class for Virginia and is also a gun-rights lobbyist in Virginia. He has prepared the following summary. For travel outside of the area covered below or with specific questions, you may contact him at (276) 466-6187 or see his informative website at www.OpenCarry.org.

Without a Permit
If you do not have a carry permit from any of our area states, then you will need to comply with applicable state laws when travelling. The following summary describes these laws.
Tennessee Virginia North
Carolina 		South
Carolina 		Georgia
Firearm must be transported unloaded and encased. Ammunition must be stored in a location that is not in close proximity to you or the firearm. Virginia is an open carry state. Therefore, you may carry your firearms in clear sight in the vehicle. If not in clear sight, you must carry them encased and unloaded. North Carolina is an open carry state. Therefore, you may carry your firearms in clear sight in the vehicle. If not in clear sight, you must carry them encased and unloaded. South Carolina gives a good degree of latitude to members of clubs going to and from events. However, to be 100% safe, firearms should be transported unloaded and encased. Georgia is not an open carry state. However, they do allow firearms to be carried in clear sight in vehicles. If not in clear sight, you must carry them encased and unloaded.


With a Permit
In all of the states mentioned, a carry permit is available to residents which allows you to carry your firearms without regard to the laws above. In some of these states, non-resident permits are also available. Many of these states have agreements which allow permit holders from other states to carry there as well. The following summary provides this information.
Tennessee Virginia North
Carolina 		South
Carolina 		Georgia
Non-Resident Permits
No

Permits Good In
Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
 		Non-Resident Permits
Yes

Permits Good In
Tennessee
North Carolina
 		Non-Resident Permits
No

Permits Good In
Tennessee
Virginia
South Carolina
Georgia
 		Non-Resident Permits
No

Permits Good In
Tennessee
Virginia
North Carolina
 		Non-Resident Permits
No

Permits Good In
Tennessee
North Carolina

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in good faith and is based upon a great deal of legal research and personal knowledge. However, John Pierce is not an attorney and this does not constitute legal advice.