The laws regarding the storage and transportation of firearms by individuals (not businesses) vary by the class of firearm – non-restricted, restricted or prohibited.

Click here to download the RCMP pamphlet summarizing these laws. Keep a copy in your range bag, gun box or with your hunting gear.

Non-Restricted

Storage

• Must be unloaded.
• Must be secured by a locking device so that it cannot be fired or must be locked into a room or container that is hard to break into.
• Exception: An unloaded non-restricted firearm can be stored temporarily (separate from ammunition) if it is needed for predator control.
• Vehicle storage: Gun must be locked in the trunk area or other similar compartment. If vehicle does not have such a compartment, the firearm must be put out of sight and the vehicle locked securely.

Transportation

• Must be unloaded.

Restricted

Storage

• Must be unloaded.
• Must be secured by a locking device (e.g. trigger lock) so that it cannot be fired and must be locked into a room or container that is hard to break into; or must be locked in a safe/vault (if locked in a safe, there is no need for a secure locking device).
• Vehicle storage: Locked container with firearm must be locked in the trunk area or other similar compartment. If vehicle does not have such a compartment, the container must be put out of sight and the vehicle locked securely.

Transportation

• Individual must obtain an Authorization to Transport permit.
• Must be unloaded.
• Must be secured by a locking device (e.g. trigger lock) and locked inside an opaque (non see-through) container that cannot easily be broken into (e.g. gun case).

Prohibited

Storage

• Must be unloaded.
• Must be secured by a locking device (e.g. trigger lock) so that it cannot be fired and must be locked into a room or container that is hard to break into; or must be locked in a safe/vault (if locked in a safe, there is no need for a secure locking device).
• Vehicle storage: Locked container with firearm must be locked in the trunk area or other similar compartment. If vehicle does not have such a compartment, the container must be put out of sight and the vehicle locked securely.
• Automatic firearm: The bolt or bolt carrier must be removed (if removable) and locked in a separate room that is hard to break into.

Transportation

• Individual must obtain an Authorization to Transport permit.
• Must be unloaded.
• Must be secured by a locking device (e.g. trigger lock) and locked inside an opaque (non see-through) container that cannot easily be broken into (e.g. gun case).
• Automatic firearm: The bolt or bolt carrier must be removed (if removable) and stored separately.