Legal Question in Traffic Law in Wisconsin

Self Defense Weapons in Semi Truck Cabs While Sleeping

Under WI Department of Natural Resource regulations, firearms can be lawfully transported in vehicles so long as long as they are unloaded and fully enclosed in a case. Of course, many other laws also effect firearm transportation including federal and municipal regulations. Wisconsin's prohibition against carrying concealed weapons come into play whenever the weapon is readily available, i.e., within reach. Such laws are far from clear in terms of what this means and what constitutes a �dangerous weapon� under the statute. Some law enforcement agencies might even view a fully encased and unloaded weapon as being prohibited under these laws. In short, it is nearly impossible to tell what is and is not legal in this regard. The safest route would be to keep the gun fully encased and out of reach. However, this would not be far from the safest practice if you came under a violent surprise attack while sleeping. Different regulations apply to weapons in the home or other non-public places. There is a good argument that a mobile residence such as a vehicle which is lawfully parked off the road, fully equipped as a home, and secured from the public is no longer a public place which is subject to these rules. Concealed weapons laws have recently been challenged in the courts, both on second amendment constitutional grounds and for vagueness.