Idaho allows you to transport firearms in your vehicle loaded or unloaded, concealed or in plain sight, without a permit -- as long as you can legally possess a firearm and you meet the age requirements.

That's the whole game for in-state driving. I've had this conversation at the LGS counter more times than I can count — people shocked that there's no special storage requirement, no lock box, no unloaded rule. You're legal, you're good, drive on.

The legal possession requirement is doing a lot of work in that sentence. If you're a prohibited person -- prior felony conviction, domestic violence misdemeanor, active restraining order, or any other federal disqualifier -- none of Idaho's permissive transport rules apply to you. The vehicle doesn't create an exception to federal law.

Worth saying out loud: Idaho being permissive doesn't create a workaround for federal law. I've heard people talk themselves into believing their situation was different. It isn't.

If you stop in California or New York for more than a brief, necessary stop, you're exposed to those states' laws.

FOPA's safe passage provision is real, but it's not a force field — and "brief, necessary stop" has been interpreted very narrowly in places like New Jersey and New York. If you're route-planning a cross-country drive, especially towing an RV, this is the piece that deserves an hour of research before you leave the driveway.

When transporting registered NFA items, carry your ATF Form 4 (or Form 3, depending on the transfer) with the item at all times.

Technically not required, but I keep mine in the same bag as the suppressor — every single time. The alternative is trying to explain yourself roadside while someone runs the serial number. That's a problem I don't need on a match day.

For those of you who regularly drive into Washington or Oregon with a firearm in the vehicle — how are you handling it, and have you updated your approach given the legislative changes those states have been making lately?

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