Answer: You are correct that there were some changes in reference to this law a few years ago. I will talk about long guns (rifles and shotguns, handguns are another topic.) According to Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 97B.045 Subd1. A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:

(1) Unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;

(2) Unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or

Subd2 covers exceptions for disabled persons. Subd3 Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges.(a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (b), in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section 87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:

(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;

(2) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;

(3) on school grounds; or

(4) otherwise restricted under section 97A.091, 97B.081, or 97B.086.

(b) For the purposes of this section, a “pistol” includes a weapon designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and with an overall length less than 26 inches, or having a barrel or barrels of a length less than 18 inches in the case of a shotgun or having a barrel of a length less than 16 inches in the case of a rifle:

Take note to Subd3 (2) “within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more”. Know the populations of the cities you are hunting near. It will be your responsibility. I would advise you to contact your local Conservation Officer and ask them for their best advice when transporting a firearm for these types of purposes. We are in the full swing of the hunting season and chances are you will see them, or another officer.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us