Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

34 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2503 (2026)

Loaded firearms in vehicles.

✓ current as of May 2026

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§ 2503. Loaded firearms in vehicles.

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to have a firearm of any kind in or on or against any conveyance propelled by mechanical power or its attachments at any time whether or not the vehicle or its attachment is in motion unless the firearm is unloaded.

(b) Exceptions.--This section shall not be construed to apply to:

(1) A police officer engaged in the performance of his official duty.

(2) A commission officer engaged in the performance of his duty.

(3) A person carrying a loaded pistol or revolver when in possession of a valid firearms license issued by the chief or head of any police force or the sheriff of a county when the license is issued for protection under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 Subch. A (relating to Uniform Firearms Act).

(4) Any person as defined in section 2121(c) (relating to killing game or wildlife to protect property) while on lands they control and when not hunting or trapping for game or wildlife.

(5) Any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached or any sailboat if the motor has been completely shut off or the sail furled and its progress therefrom has ceased.

(6) Any political subdivision, its employees or agents, which has a valid deer control permit issued under section 2902(c) (relating to general categories of permits).

The exceptions in paragraphs (1) through (5) do not apply when attempting to locate game or wildlife with an artificial light or when exercising any privileges granted by this title which may be exercised only when not in the possession of a firearm.

(c) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fourth degree if the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the violation is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(Mar. 29, 1996, P.L.41, No.13, eff. imd.; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days)

2022 Correction. The Legislative Reference Bureau removed language that was erroneously added in subsec. (a).

1996 Amendments. Acts 13 and 184 amended subsec. (b).

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 4 cases, 1987–1993 · leading case: Duff v. Twp. of Northampton, 532 A.2d 500 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 1987).

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Duff v. Twp. of Northampton, 532 A.2d 500 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 1987). “14 This section was repealed and replaced by 34 Pa. C. S. §2503. 15 This section was repealed and • has no counterpart in the Code but see 34 Pa.”

Fisher v. Harleysville Ins., 621 A.2d 158 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1993). “It is provided by statute at 34 Pa.C.S. § 2503(a) that it is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle.”

Fisher v. Harleysville Ins., 15 Pa. D. & C.4th 523 (1992). “They contend that unloading the rifle was essential to the use of the truck, because 34 Pa.C.S. §2503(a) mandates that “it is unlawful for any person to have a firearm of any kind in or on .”

Commonwealth v. Bevilheimer, 3 Pa. D. & C.4th 334 (1989). “Section 925(j) specifically provides that Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Code is inapplicable to the Game and Wildlife Code insofar as it relates to fines and imprisonment for convictions of summary offenses and misdemeanors.”

— 34 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2503(a) — 2 cases

Fisher v. Harleysville Ins., 621 A.2d 158 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1993). “It is provided by statute at 34 Pa.C.S. § 2503(a) that it is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle.”

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