Crossing Illinois with a Handgun

F

FTCM USCG

Inactive
Can anyone tell me how to legally cross Illinois while carrying a Handgun? I have CCws from OK and PA, but off course, neither are recognized in IL.
 
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Unloaded, cased, in the trunk (or otherwise inaccessible), and don't stop within Chicago city limits.

Unless you're an LEO, there's no provision for CCW in our fine state, unfortunately.
 
While carrying? No such way unless a LEO. Trunk, unloaded in a case, ammo separated.

Illinois stinks but once you are through it you can re-arm in Indiana. We recognize all states and foreign countries.:)
 
I was reading on some stuff on the subject and heard of the Illinois carry. can anyone from there enlighten me on the subject? I think it involed being legal to drive with a pistol in a loackable case and a loaded mag nearby outside the container.
 
Don't post "facts" unless you know!

Ammo doesn't have to be seperate as long as the gun is unloaded. You can even have a loaded magazine in the same case as long as it's not in the gun!
 
Therefore, ammo separate (i.e. out of the gun!).:p

In Illinois if I am going to attempt to comply with the law, I will err on the side of caution.:)
 
The rules about carrying a firearm unloaded and in a closed case also require you to have a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification Document). I doubt that you have one, or could get one as a non-resident of Illinois. To be safe, I recommend the unloaded, locked in the trunk idea, with ammo separately locked in the trunk, and driving through this state as quickly as you can. If at all possible, avoid Cook County (and the city of Chicago) since they have an even less rationale approach to handguns than does the state itself.
 
The rules about carrying a firearm unloaded and in a closed case also require you to have a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification Document). I doubt that you have one, or could get one as a non-resident of Illinois.
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If the OP's profile is correct he is from OK. He does not need an IL FOID. He can't he get an IL FOID since he's not an IL resident and there's no reason for him to get an IL FOID.
For the OP's question, go to about 1/2 way down on this page:
http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/firearmsfaq.cfm
 
I found a great solution...because of the bad weather in MO and IL, I'm taking the Southern route...won't go through IL at all...just friendly CCW states, except WV...short scoot through it and I'm home free!!!

Course, just to be safe, I'll unload and properly store the handgun till I'm in PA! No sense not being legal....:mad:
 
FTCM USCG said:
I found a great solution...because of the bad weather in MO and IL, I'm taking the Southern route...won't go through IL at all...just friendly CCW states, except WV...short scoot through it and I'm home free!!!
Click to expand...

I like the way you think!

I've been boycotting Illinoise since 1998. I live very close to the state line, but I won't go there. It hurts, because the Single Stack Classic is my favorite pistol match, and I'll never be able to shoot it again.

If I had to go west, I'd go south first.

Some of my friends who are willing to cross Illinoise will do so without stopping. The make sure the tank is full before the enter, then they go the speed limit non-stop until they leave Illinoise. That minimizes chances for interaction with the local constabulary, and more importantly it means none of their money supports the corrupt system there, especially with the sales tax. I know there are honest merchants trying to make a living, but that's too bad.
 
I'd suggest going thru Kentucky as they recognize all other states permits, Indiana is good as well. Both recognize my non-resident PA license, something Illinois will not do. I'd avoid this "right denied" state. It might be good for CCW out of staters to write the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce and tell them if you won't patronize our state because of its anti-carry stand. If you do come through I'd also recommend avoiding the Chicago area.
Two groups Illinoiscarry.com and Icarry.org are working to get concealed carry in Illinois, but it is not an easy battle with the opposition from the Chicago area legislators.
 
Carry legal in Illinois

Carry is legal in Illinois as long as the firearm is unloaded, enclosed in a case, and you have a valid FOID card. If you are a nonresident, then the law is more "iffy." To be honest, I'm not even sure of all of the changes in the law for nonresidents, as I've been focussed on how the law affects us.

The best advice I would give you, and this isn't to be taken as legal advice since I'm not a lawyer, would be to unload and case your firearm, AND make it inaccessible -- best bet being the trunk. It may be perfectly legal to have it on the back seat (unloaded in a case of course) or under the passenger seat, or maybe even on your person, but YOU should consult the Illinois Compiled Statutes yourself to see what the law says.

My personal stance is I exercise my rights to the very extent to which they are recognized by law. I carried legally in Illinois until I was wrongfully arrested and falsely charged with breaking the law. That legal situation is still ongoing, and the only thing that stops me from carrying today is my financial situation (lawyers are expensive) and that fact that the police still have my pistol.

So my advice: try to find the actual laws that affect you as a nonresident and make a decision on what is best for you. Also keep in mind that if you are going through Chicago or Cook County, be EXTRA careful. It is a messy patchwork of local ordinances (counties and cities can have their own ordinances on firearms -- Cook County, Chicago, and many other places even BAN certain types of firearms altogether!) So definitely consider the trunk route and don't even stop if you're going through Chicago or Cook!

I hope this helps. Enjoy your short (the shorter the better) stay in The Sheeple's Republik of Illannoy :D I wish we were more hospitable, but gun owners are treated worse than terrorists here. Best of luck.


Shaun Kranish
Founder-Director, ICarry.org
 
I wonder what the statistical probability is that a particular individual would be stopped by l.e. while transnavigating IL and have his car searched for weapons?
 
depends on where you're crossing. i've been pulled over in strange times and places - mostly making wee-hours dashes to wildlife areas for hunting seasons in southern illinois - with gun cases clearly visible and never asked questions.

peaceable journey is peaceable journey - if you're unsure, unloaded, encased and out of reach is always the way to go.
 
Non-Illinois residents do not need a FOID card. I, as an IL. resident must show one to even handle a firearm and to buy ammo or components. My son who is an Arizona resident can handle and buy all he wants with his AZ ID.

I would err on the side of caution in this state. Keep the firearms and ammo in separate locked cases in the trunk. Now if you have the time and funds to challenge current LE practice vs the actual law, I commend you.
 
unless your an Illinois Citizen pack your gun in a lock cased with no ammo in a magazine and take the slide off your pistol. store ammo seperately.
avoid chicago totally if possible.

even if you are a Illinois Citizen you would need a FOID card. non resident cards are tough to get. FOID would allow you to Fannypack but its no guarantee that you wont get pulled over,arrested and humiliated. go to icarry.org and look up SAK and his situation imagine worst time of your life in land of the free and home of brave. go against the grain in chicagoland and neighboring area and they will do a good job at trying to ruin your life.

although law states Non Illinois residents do not need a FOID card expect to encounter people more ignorant of the law than you who work at cya stores that wont make a sell unless you have a FOID.
 
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All good advice so far: unloaded, cased, and leave it in the trunk of the car.

I might also add that some IL cities outlaw handguns period. Chicago, and the surrounding suburbs have local ordnances against having handguns.
 
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