Driving from PA to FL: what do I need to know about my AR?

For your specific route (PA → VA → NC → GA → FL), you're in good shape — none of those states have AR-15 bans that would affect lawful transport by a non-resident. But the general framework you want to understand is **FOPA's Safe Passage provision** (18 U.S.C. § 926A), which is what protects lawful interstate transport generally.

**FOPA's Safe Passage requires:** 1. The firearm must be unloaded 2. Neither the firearm nor the ammunition can be readily accessible from the passenger compartment 3. If the vehicle has no trunk, the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container (not the glove box) 4. You must be traveling from a place where you can legally possess the firearm to another place where you can legally possess it

**Practical version for your route:** - Rifle in a locked hard case in the trunk - Magazines unloaded, ideally in a separate locked container - Ammunition separate - No overnight stops where you unpack the rifle into a hotel room in a state where it would be illegal to possess (this is the trap — you stopped and stayed, arguably exiting "transport" status)

**Specific state notes for your route:** - **Virginia:** fine. AR-15s fully legal for non-residents in transport. - **North Carolina:** fine. Normal transport rules apply. - **Georgia:** fine. Permissive state, normal transport rules. - **Florida:** fine. No AR restrictions that would affect you.

**If you were going through NY, NJ, MD, CT, MA, or CA:** the conversation gets much more complicated, magazine capacity laws would kick in, and the "staying overnight" question becomes a real legal risk. Your route does not include any of those.

**Not legal advice.** If you're ever unsure, call an attorney in the destination state before you go. $200 for an attorney consultation is much cheaper than a felony.