PAL PAL Storage and Transportation Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When transporting a non-restricted firearm in a vehicle, it must be kept how?
- Unloaded and in a locked container or properly secured case (Correct answer)
- Loaded but concealed in a locked case
- Unloaded but visible on the rear seat
- Unsecured in the trunk as long as it is unloaded
Correct answer: Unloaded and in a locked container or properly secured case
Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and secured in a locked container or properly fastened case during vehicle transport.
Question 2: For transport purposes under Canadian firearms law, what does 'unloaded' specifically mean?
- No ammunition in the chamber and no loaded magazine attached to the firearm (Correct answer)
- No ammunition anywhere inside the vehicle
- The safety mechanism is fully engaged
- The bolt or slide has been removed from the firearm
Correct answer: No ammunition in the chamber and no loaded magazine attached to the firearm
'Unloaded' means the chamber is empty and no loaded magazine is attached — ammunition may be present elsewhere in the vehicle if otherwise secured.
Question 3: Who has the authority to issue an Authorization to Transport (ATT) for a restricted firearm?
- A Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) (Correct answer)
- Any licensed firearms dealer
- A municipal or city police chief
- The firearm's original manufacturer
Correct answer: A Chief Firearms Officer (CFO)
Only a Chief Firearms Officer, who is the senior provincial/territorial firearms authority, may issue an Authorization to Transport for restricted firearms.
Question 4: Which destination can generally be reached while transporting a restricted firearm without obtaining a special additional ATT in most provinces?
- An approved shooting club or range (Correct answer)
- A friend's residence for temporary storage
- A rural hunting area
- A provincial campground
Correct answer: An approved shooting club or range
Most standing ATT conditions issued with a restricted firearms licence permit transport directly to and from an approved shooting range for sport use.
Question 5: When transporting firearms across a provincial or territorial border, what must a PAL holder do?
- Comply with the regulations of both the originating and destination province or territory (Correct answer)
- Obtain a separate federal transport permit in addition to their PAL
- Notify the RCMP at least 48 hours in advance of crossing
- Carry a notarized letter from a licensed dealer confirming the firearm's status
Correct answer: Comply with the regulations of both the originating and destination province or territory
Because regulations can vary between provinces and territories, PAL holders must comply with the rules of every jurisdiction they pass through or travel to.
Question 6: Can a non-restricted firearm be transported in a vehicle secured in a gun rack rather than a locked case?
- Yes, if the firearm is unloaded and the rack prevents easy removal (Correct answer)
- No, a locked case is always mandatory for vehicle transport
- Yes, by any method as long as the firearm is unloaded
- No, only emergency vehicles are exempt from the locked-case requirement
Correct answer: Yes, if the firearm is unloaded and the rack prevents easy removal
A gun rack that secures an unloaded firearm against easy removal can satisfy the transportation requirement for non-restricted firearms.
PAL PAL Storage and Transportation Requirements 2
When transporting a non-restricted firearm in a vehicle, it must be kept how?