Advise on traveling thru Illinois to Indiania

[357and40]

I keep a copy of that email from the Illinois State Police in my vehicle. If I ever get pulled over I will show it to them & tell them to call the Illinois Law Enforcement authority that directed me to do things that way if they have an issue. I also keep a copy of the bill of sale for EVERY firearm I carry so I have immediate proof of ownership.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[mrjam2jab]

Transport Your Firearm Legally. These rules seem pretty tame considering it's IL.

[Mike1956]

It is about seventy miles from the Wisconsin/Illinois state line to the Illinois/Indiana state line. Comply with this, and enjoy the drive: http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/1-154.pdf

[JKAisAOK]

This is exactly what I've been looking for!

I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Indianapolis now and regularly drive back and forth thru the great state of IL. To visit my friends & family. I also have a valid CCW and use it!

I won't even get started on IL's ridiculous gun laws, but suffice to say, I would NEVER live there as is...

[E6chevron]

There is one important paragraph that the lady from the Illinois State police left out of her email.

It is the last paragraph page 2 on the linked .pdf on their website http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/1-154.pdf

HOW DO I TRANSPORT A FIREARM
THROUGH AN ILLINOIS COMMUNITY WITH AN
ORDINANCE THAT PROHIBITS FIREARMS OR
HANDGUNS?

Illinois’ Unlawful Use of Weapons law does not
preempt local ordinances from banning firearms.
Persons carrying or transporting firearms through
such communities could be subject to local firearm
ordinances. It is recommended that you contact local
authorities regarding their firearm ordinances.

This can truly be a serious problem if you have to stop in one of these communities, for any reason.

It is the reson for much of the "avoid Illinois" advice.

[flagflyfish]

Glad I ran onto this thread. I will be flying into Indiana from Alaska and then driving to Decatur, Ill. to see my daughter and grandchildren. I'll disassemble the gun and lock it in a case in the trunk like the nanny state says. I think it's time to start dropping hints that she move out of Ill. One question though........Do I have to dress and act like a sheep while in the Nanny state??? If so, I'm flying them to Alaska

[thephanatik]

To add onto what was already said, its the Safe Passage Provision in the Firearms Owners Protection Act that outlines the requirements. The section of this provision reads "during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console."

I just refreshed myself on all of this since I went to visit a friend that got a job out in New Jersey. The Safe Passage Provision only applies to traveling through a state, it does not protect you if the state with restrictive laws is your destination. I had to leave my gun home, but carried my folder and pepper spray.

I filled up before entering Illinois and right after I left it. Did the same in New Jersey.

I considered a ferry also, but I had a tight schedule that didn't make it practical. If I was just traveling it IN, I would definitely opt for a ferry.

Tubadude mentioned not being the fastest person on the highway. I wouldn't worry about that, since it seems most people in that state go 80 in a 55. I would be more worried about leaving distance and avoiding the idiots on their phones.

[yz9890]

so if you don't have a trunk (motorcycle/pickup), then unloaded, disassembled and locked in a case is alright?

[ANGLICO]

My advice. Drive 'around' Ill&Noise and don't spend one cent in that state.

[GH]

Three suggestions -
1) Take the car ferry across to Michigan. Drive south to Indiana. Use the same route on your return trip.
2) FedEx your gun to your destination. FedEx your gun back to WI.
3) Lock your weapon in your house until you get back. (that will of course insure that it'll be the only time you will really need it.)

OR use suggestion 3 & rent/borrow a gun in Indiana.

Do NOT give any Illinois authority to hold you "until this is all figured out".

[cltyus1]

This is my exchange with the Illinois State Police Firearms Division Dated Jan 27, 2012:

ME:

I am aware that Illinois does not recognize my Missouri CCW.

I travel into Illinois often on business and do not have an FOID card.

Am I correct that in order to legally travel through Illinois with my
firearm that I would need to do the following before entering the state:

be legally eligible to possess or acquire firearms and ammunition in my
state of residence
ensure the weapon is unloaded, and
ensure the weapon is enclosed in a case, and
ensure the weapon is not immediately accessible or broken down in a
nonfunctioning state

Is there any specific requirement for transport of the ammunition that was
in the weapon or in any additional magazines or revolver strips?

Thank you!

THEM:

The information you listed is correct. With regards to ammunition, it can
be in the same case as the firearm but must not be loaded into the firearm.

Thank you,

Christina Hibbert
Illinois State Police
Firearms Services Bureau
217-782-5047

I also live in Saint Louis and often work in Edwardsville and Belleville Illinos. I just unload mine, lock it in my lockbox with ammo away from my gun. I hate Illinois ugh