Was recently made aware of the changes to Wisconsin's handgun laws. http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/ConcealedCarry/ccw_frequently_asked_questions.pdf
On page 52 of the FAQs, it has the following:
If I do not have a CCW license how do I transport weapons in a vehicle?
A. Handguns The law now allows a person to do the following without a CCW permit: • place, possess, or transport a handgun in a vehicle without being unloaded or encased. Wis. Stats. § 167.31(2)(b). • load a handgun in a vehicle. Wis. Stats. § 167.31(2)(c). • operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with a handgun in the operator’s possession. Wis. Stat. § 23.33(3)(a). • place, possess, or transport a handgun in or on a motorboat with the motor running without being unloaded or encased. Wis. Stats. § 167.31(2)(a), (b), (c). • place, possess, or transport a handgun in or on a noncommercial aircraft. IMPORTANT NOTE: Persons who do not have a CCW license may still not carry weapons concealed. In a vehicle this means that the firearm cannot be hidden or concealed and within reach.
This brings up 2 questions:
1, Is this in effect NOW, or does it go into effect November 1 with the CCW? In the one line it reads "The law now allows a person to do the following without a CCW permit." The way I read it is that I can drive my truck with my pistol loaded and openly visible in my holster right now. Then, come Nov 1, when I get my CCW, I can do the same wearing a jacket.
2, The wording regarding ATVs has me worried - The other provisions specifically mention some variations of the handgun being loaded/unloaded or cased/uncased, but the one concerning operation of an ATV simply states "may operate ATV with handgun in possession." Am I reading too much into it, or would I get a citation for open-carrying my loaded pistol while riding an ATV (before getting my CCW)?
Anyone have a good explanation, or know who to contact to get concrete answers? FYI, the law did NOT change regarding transport of long guns in a vehicle, just handguns.
