Q1: Do firearms still have to be in a case before they are placed in or on a motorized vehicle, including ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and farm implements?
A: No. Effective Nov. 19, 2011 for rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders, and Nov. 1, 2011 for handguns, firearms no longer have to be in a case in order to place them in or on a vehicle, or to transport them unloaded in or on a vehicle.
Q2: Do firearms still have to be unloaded before they can be placed in or on a motorized vehicle, including ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and farm implements?
A: If the firearm is a loaded rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader, it can only be placed on the top or exterior of a vehicle which is stationary. It is important to be aware that it remains illegal to place a loaded rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader inside any motorized vehicle or to actually load any rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader while the firearm or person loading the firearm is still inside the vehicle. All long guns must be outside of a motorized vehicle before a person may load these firearms. A loaded firearm can be set down on the top or exterior of a stationary vehicle, but it must be unloaded before the firearm is placed inside or transported in or on the vehicle.
Q3: Is there anytime when a person is allowed to actually load a firearm when they are still in or on a motorized vehicle?
A: Yes. Handguns can be loaded by a person in or on a motorized vehicle. In addition, certain disabled individuals who hold a Class A or B hunt from a vehicle permit are still allowed to load a firearm and hunt from a stationary motorized vehicle.
Q4: Now that it is legal to place a loaded uncased firearm on a vehicle, is it also legal for a person to be sitting on the exterior of the vehicle holding the loaded uncased firearm.
A: Yes, provided the vehicle remains stationary.
Q5: Since the law has changed to allow a person to possess a loaded uncased firearm when they are sitting on the exterior of a stationary motorized vehicle, does this mean a person can hunt and shoot from their parked and stationary motorized vehicle?
A: No. Except for the pre-existing exemption for certain disabled hunters with the proper permit, it is still illegal to discharge a firearm in or from a motorized vehicle. The laws regulating hunting and discharge of a firearm in or from a vehicle and within 50 feet of the center of a roadway have not changed.
Q6: Can I use my truck or car as a shooting platform to rest my firearm on when sighting in my firearm or shooting at a deer?
A: No. It is not legal to discharge a firearm in or from a vehicle.
Q7: In the past it was only legal to lean an unloaded firearm against a vehicle. Is this still true?
A: No. Now that it is legal to place a loaded firearm on a vehicle, this means it is also legal to lean a loaded firearm against a vehicle. Caution should be taken as vehicles can easily be jarred when a person opens or closes a door, or gets in or out of a vehicle, which might cause the fire to fall to the ground. If loaded, this could lead to an accidental discharge.
Q8: Must the vehicles engine be turned off in order to place or possess a loaded firearm on the exterior or against a vehicle?
A: No. It is legal to have the motor/engine running, as long as the vehicle is not put in motion.
Q9: Since firearms generally no longer have to be placed in a case when in or on a vehicle, can a person roll up their firearm in a blanket, towel or sleeping bag to protect it from getting damaged if they do not have a firearm case?
A: Yes, however it is generally not legal to be armed with a concealed rifle or shotgun, and only with a handgun if authorized to possess a concealed weapon. So unless you are authorized by law to possess a concealed weapon and the firearm is a handgun, you need to place a firearm which is hidden from view in a location where it will not be within reach of a person while it is concealed in this manner.
Q10: Are there any situations or locations where a person is still required to have their firearm unloaded and enclosed within a case?
A: Yes. With some exceptions, firearms possessed within 1,000 ft of a school grounds (K-12) must be unloaded and either cased or locked in a firearm rack on a motor vehicle. Also with some exceptions, firearms possessed or being transported in a state park, state fish hatchery and state wildlife refuge must be unloaded and cased. Therefore, visitors to a state park will need to be sure to have their firearms unloaded and cased before entering the park property. In areas of a state parks which are open to hunting, a person may uncase and load their firearm for the purpose of hunting after removing it from their vehicle at the location they will be hunting. Note: under 2011 Act 35, persons with a CCW license can possess a loaded uncased handgun in these areas, but not on the grounds of a school.
Q11: Are there any circumstances where a person would have to still case their bow or crossbow?
A: Yes. With some exceptions, bows and crossbows must be unstrung or enclosed in a carrying case while in any state park, fish hatchery, or within 100 yards of any state campground, picnic area or other special use area designated by the DNR by posted notice. A crossbow, if left in a cocked position, must also be unloaded and encased before it may be placed in or on a motorized vehicle.