The Illinois State Police has several months to get a procedure in order to allow Illinois gun owners to apply for concealed weapons permits. However, several Illinois counties do not want to wait until then and are implementing their own specific guidelines:
- An Illinois resident must have a valid Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card at all times
- Must be carrying the firearm for self-defense and can not be prohibited from possession of a firearm under another statute or court order
- The firearm must be concealed and not visible to the public (displaying the firearm could constitute a violation of law)
- Must be in compliance with all other federal, state and local laws and ordinances and must not be engaged in any criminal conduct
- Inform law enforcement officers of the firearm when pulled over or in contact with an officer in the course of their duties (not telling an officer could be a violation of law)
However, even though these Illinois counties are reporting no individual will be arrested for carrying a gun, state police officials stated anyone carrying a weapon will be arrested because no conceal carry applications have been processed and no permits have been issued yet under the new law.
This means that in certain counties you could carry a gun without being bothered by local law enforcement, and then get on the expressway where Illinois State Police would arrest and charge you with a gun crime.
Whatever you stance on gun law, take precautions. Do not ignore requirements and if you are stopped by police, then cooperate and inform them of the presence of the firearm.
Officials strongly recommend waiting the few months until the State of Illinois passes the conceal carry law into effect in early 2014.
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Source: abclocal.go.com
