Changes to Ohio CCW laws as of March 14, 2007
Saturday, June 30th, 2007OHIO CONCEALED CARRY LAW UPDATE
Effective March 14, 2007, there were a couple changes to Ohio law:
I. Preemption. Ohio implemented a preemption law stating that local jurisdictions could not make more stringent CCW laws than established by the state. Ohio has very strong “homerule” language and this is being challenged in the courts. Use extreme caution traveling throughout the state with a concealed firearm.
II. How to transport your firearm in a motor vehicle. Previous to March 14th, 2007, Ohio required you to transport your handgun either: 1) in a holster, on your body and in plain sight; or 2) in a closed, locked glove compartment; or 3) in a case that is in plain sight and that is locked.
The new Ohio law dictates that the concealed handgun is carried by the permit holder in one of the following ways:
1) In a holster on your person, or
2) In a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which lid, cover or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun; or
3) Locked in your closed glove compartment, or
4) Locked in a case in plain sight.
NOTE: “Motorcycles fall under the definition of motor vehicles. Thus, the same requirements apply to licensees who carry a handgun while on a motorcycle.”
Ref: Ohio’s Concealed Carry Law” booklet, issued by the Ohio Attorney General, effective March 14, 2007. Go to www.ag.state.oh.us to download a copy of the booklet if you travel in Ohio.