Q: Can I drive with a long gun under 18 in PA for self-defense?
In Pennsylvania, can I legally drive with a long gun (rifle, shotgun) under the age of 18 for general self-defense purposes? The gun is registered under my name, and I do not have any specific permits or licenses related to firearms.
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Pennsylvania Firearm Laws for Minors: No Driving with Long Guns for Self-Defense
Pennsylvania law explicitly states that "a person under 18 years of age shall not possess or transport a firearm anywhere in this Commonwealth" with only specific exceptions. Justia Law The fact that you have a long gun registered in your name doesn't override this prohibition, and carrying it in a vehicle for general self-defense does not fall under any of the legal exceptions.
The only exceptions that would allow you to legally transport a long gun as a minor are if you are: (1) under the supervision of a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or an adult with parental permission AND engaged in lawful activity like safety training, target shooting, competition, or transporting an unloaded firearm for a lawful purpose; or (2) lawfully hunting or trapping in accordance with Pennsylvania's Game and Wildlife Code. Justia Law Additionally, Pennsylvania law specifically prohibits anyone from possessing "a firearm of any kind" in a vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded, regardless of age. GIFFORDS
Carrying a firearm for self-defense in a vehicle generally requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF), which you cannot obtain until age 21. Davidmckenzielawfirm While Pennsylvania differentiates between "firearms" (which includes handguns and short-barreled long guns) and standard long guns in some contexts, the prohibition on minors possessing firearms applies to all types of guns. Firearmsindustryconsultinggroup Even if you were legally allowed to transport the unloaded long gun for a specific purpose like going to a shooting range, you would not be permitted to have it for general self-defense purposes while driving, and the gun would need to be unloaded with ammunition stored separately.
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