For years, one of the most heavily debated topics in the trucking industry is a truck driver’s ability to legally carry a firearm during interstate travel.
On a federal level, the right to bear arms is protected by the second amendment. But each state has its own laws and regulations governing the handling of firearms within the state.
Although some states have a reciprocity agreement and will honor a carry permit from your home state, many do not. This means the moment you cross state lines with a firearm in your vehicle, it’s possible that you’ve broken a law.
After the 2014 murder of truck driver Michael Boglin, who was shot and killed in his rig in Detroit, a proposal dubbed “Mike’s Law” was introduced in the trucking industry. The law would allow those involved in interstate commerce to have a special nationwide permit valid in all states. The basis for the proposal is simple — the need to protect yourself doesn’t diminish once you cross state lines, therefore your ability to defend yourself shouldn’t either.
Although Mike’s Law has been heavily supported by truck drivers, it has failed to pick up steam outside the industry. Even the National Rifle Association, one of the most powerful lobbying groups in America, failed to provide any significant support for the proposal.
But a position paper published by President-Elect Donald Trump’s campaign prior to his election may invalidate the need for Mike’s Law and instead make it available for all citizens.
The paper, which can be seen in full on his website, highlights a “national right to carry” rule. It reads:
“The right of self-defense doesn’t stop at the end of your driveway. That’s why I have a concealed carry permit and why tens of millions of Americans do too. That permit should be valid in all 50 states. A driver’s license works in every state, so it’s common sense that a concealed carry permit should work in every state. If we can do that for driving – which is a privilege, not a right – then surely we can do that for concealed carry, which is a right, not a privilege.”
Of course, right now it’s just a campaign promise. We’ll have to wait until President-Elect Trump enters office before any proposal has a chance to become law. And company drivers will still have to abide by their company’s rules. But for owner-operators, and drivers of companies that don’t prohibit firearms, this law could be a welcomed change.
