Travel in Ohio & Pennsylvania

[NowKnowYe]

I have a Michigan CPL. Are there any unusual concealed carry laws in Ohio and Pennsylvania while driving? Ohio has or had a "in plain sight" law. What does that mean???? Any insight is appreciated here...thanks.

(Both states have reciprocity and honor the MI permit.)

[walls0stone]

keep it in plain sight and it's not a concealed weapon. Fellow in the area was well off, and cheep...not wanting to pay for a permit of any kind, and not wishing to be parted with his money, it was always on his hip. local cops said... man, keep that thing in your coat... but his point was that in doing so, he'd have a concealed weapon.

Pull over your car to run in the store, put it in the glove or under a coat. To get a pa permit is very easy. I got mine years ago..but it's a laminated paper..looks nothing like a diveres licence. Friends thought it was fake at first.

In some parts of north central pa, if your not packing..you may not be wereing the proper atire to eat in some establishments. I'd say that goes for some of the wealthyest and most educated men I know in this state.

[Stinger]

:) A lot has changed in Pennsylvania during the past 5 years!

Pennsylvania LTCF's are, indeed, very much like state driver's licenses: They are now laminated, must include a picture that is less than 5 years old, and contain as much, or more, information than is usually found on many state ID or driver's licenses - including your exact physical street address.

PA LTCF application requirements vary by county. I live close to the NY/NJ border; and, our county application process is particularly detailed. (Includes state tax, public utilities, AND personal medical information!) *

PA is an open carry state; technically, if you don't mind terrifying soccer moms, you can carry in plain sight. Driving through Pennsylvania ain't no big deal; you haven't got anything to worry about unless you're headed for: Maryland, New York, or New Jersey where all sorts of additional restrictions have been imposed upon the usual federal firearm, 'peaceful journey' laws. *

Special concerns?*You can't open carry in Philadelphia without a valid LTCF in your possession.*(But, 'Why' would you want to do that, anyway?) Be careful around the historical buildings and momuments; many of them are federal reservations where possession of a firearm is prohibited.

Your carry piece must be checked at the door to any county courthouse. Otherwise, casinos, municipal public schools, post offices, and (right now) state parks are, at least technically, verboten - So, it's better not to rely on legal technicalities and attempt to, 'push' the gun laws.

You can carry in taverns and bars. One word of advice: State law requires the handgun to be under your direct control at all times. If for any reason you have to leave your carry piece unattended inside your vehicle, then, take the ammunition and/or loaded magazine with you.

Might not affect you because you're from out-of-state; but, many local sheriffs frown upon any police report they receive about a loaded handgun stolen from an unattended vehicle - This is particularly true for the bigger cities. Every now and then I'll hear of some unfortunate permit holder who's had his LTCF yanked as a result.

Here's a little common sense: You have no responsibility to advise a PA traffic cop that you are armed; however, if you're asked to step outside the vehicle, it might be a real good idea to clearly proclaim that you are licensed-to-carry and armed BEFORE your feet hit the pavement. *;) *

[walls0stone]

In Tioga County, the permit looks like you got it out of a cracker jack box. It's lamenated, but it's crooked in the plastic. Picture is off as well. The questioneer I had was simple. I had mine in les than two weeks.

Here if you tell the officer your armed, he will more than likly say...wow that's nice, where did you get it?

Another word of advice. don't go to philly :)