Transporting a Handgun While on a Motorcycle

[zerozoku]

I want to thank you all again for all the info.

Im moving to San Francisco next week. My main form of transportation is my motorcycle. Can I carry my handgun in my backpack if the handgun is in a locked case? I have a pelican case that just big enough for my glock that has a loop for adding a padlock.

Also, is there any criteria for the lock? I was hoping to use a simple three-digit luggage style lock that can be opened quickly.

Last, if this is legal and I were to get pulled over, do I have to say something like "Officer, I was just on my way to the shooting range, blah blah blah" or is it within my rights to carry this way?

[ojisan]

The handgun can be carried anywhere if it is in a locked container.
The locked container in a tankbag, saddlebag, tailsection or trunk is OK too.
(You could even lock these to use as the container, but you should not open them in public such as a gas station or 7-11 parking lot).

There are no standards for the locks.
A 3 digit luggage style is just fine.

There are no standards for the container.
Use something fairly strong, hard or soft is OK.
A backpack with locked zippers is also good to go.

You can transport a handgun in a locked container to and from anyplace it is legal to have it.

We need a stickie on this, it comes up about once a week.

[bug_eyedmonster]

I don't know of the legality, but when I only had my motorcycle, I carried a handgun on a motorcycle in a backpack in a locked container to PPT it to someone. Never got stopped so I wasn't sure if it was legal or not, but if it makes a difference, I used a lock with a key, not a three digit combo deal.


Jerry

[tleeocinca]

I think he is looking for permission to conceal carry in a locked container and unfortunately no one can tell you how a LEO will react or if its legal, as everyone will interpret the law differently.

[zerozoku]

thank you very much for the help!

Yes your assumption is correct. But I probably wont admit to it if you ask me on the street. Of course I am always either on my way to or from a shooting range.

[G21Shooter]

Bottom line you can transport a firearm in any mode of transportation.

Refer to this:

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

[corcoraj2002]

My only transport is a motorcycle. Never driven a car before (and I'm 38). I just use a padlock on my backpack zipper. I have been stopped but never asked what is in the bag nor have I offered that information forward.

Only give them the information ask for. Giving too much info and you will talk yourself into a delay.

[Thermapen]

In case OP didn't read 1.7 of the wiki:

Ammunition in the locked container is legal

So long as the handgun is itself unloaded, ammunition in the same container does not make the handgun loaded.

Some gun owners may be more comfortable transporting ammunition in a separate container, or a separate compartment of the locked container, but this is not required by current law.

[zerozoku]

does the ammo also need to be locked up? For example, could I carry a loaded magazine in my pocket?

[thegamettt]

Yes you can carry loaded mag in your pocket.

[Press Check]

I know we're talking about pistols, but I saw a guy leave the range on a motorcycle with a rifle scabbard strapped to his back.

[Omgnqqb]

I know we're talking about pistols, but I saw a guy leave the range on a motorcycle with a rifle scabbard strapped to his back.

i've seen this before as well. i'm surprised i didnt see him pulled over on the side of the road by a chp or something. i would stress that people do report other people on the highway regardless what the case may be. i wouldn't risk it. at least wrap it up or something.

[uechikid]

Good thread.

[Press Check]

i've seen this before as well. i'm surprised i didnt see him pulled over on the side of the road by a chp or something. i would stress that people do report other people on the highway regardless what the case may be. i wouldn't risk it. at least wrap it up or something.

Honestly, I didn't give him a second look, or a second thought. Used to race WERA West, and converted an R6 back to a street bike, and figured I'd be doing the same thing if that were my sole source of transportation. Unless involved in traffic violations, I wouldn't expect to be pulled over and harassed by PD.

[Elysium]

Don't know about handguns, but this is how to travel with a rifle.