In Idaho Open Carry is legal with some restrictions. Schools, courthouses, Federal buildings etc. You are not required to tell an officer that you are carrying or that you have a gun in your vehicle. If I stop you for a traffic violation and run your driver license I will also be notifed that you have a Concealed Carry License.
You can have a firearm concealed in your vehicle without a permit. But if for some reason I end up searching your vehicle and find that firearm and that firearm is loaded and you don't have a CCL then I'll be charging you for a weapons violation. If you have a CCL then you'll have no worries.
I know it's a weird law. The NRA (I'm a member) tried to get it changed a few years ago, but we (the cops- many who are members of the NRA) lobbied against it. It's a great tool to use against gangbangers. I did my part by contacting the NRA and explained to the organization why we needed the law. The NRA withdrew it's support after realizing that Idaho law enforcement needed the law.
Last night I was on a traffic stop and there was a pump action shotgun laying in the back of the vehicle. We didn't freak out and get all crazy. We just told the driver to be careful and not make any unexpected movements towards it. He laughed and responded that he might be a bad driver but he isn't stupid. Gave him a warning and sent him on his way.
Idaho is a "Shall Issue State" but the sheriffs have the authority to put requirements in place before issuing a permit. In my county you have to attend a concealed carry class. However if you can show that you have extensive experience with handguns the sheriff will make an exception. For example you have attended Thunder Ranch, Front Sight etc. You were or are a cop. You had a permit in another state (Idaho recognizes permits issued by all other states as well as Puerto Rico and Guam), you were in the military and carried a handgun routinely as part of your duty etc.
In Idaho if you have a permit, are carrying and go into a bar and drink you will lose your permit and you will go to jail. I've taken guys to jail for that very offense.
Also if you are charged with "brandishing" your concealed firearm you will go to jail and lose your permit. Say you get into an argument with a neighbor and decide to pull out your Glock 26 to make a point or just pull back your jacket and say "See that bitch?" That is brandishing and it's stupid.
If you are charged with domestic battery you will go to jail and lose your permit. Well you get the picture.
I have a CCL not because I need one to carry concealed. As a cop I can carry concealed across the United States legally. That's a Federal law. But with a CCL in Idaho a gundealer dosen't have to call Washington D.C. to make sure I can purchase a firearm. It saves everybody some hassle. Not all states are like that however.
Airplane travel is a whole different matter. That's Federal and you better do your research. The Feds will screw you hard when it comes to weapon offenses.
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