No 'Delivery' If You Clutch Your Gun on the Greyhound Ride
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you’re traveling with a firearm or ammo on a bus, train, or plane and you keep it with you the whole time, you’re not considered to have ‘delivered’ it to the carrier. This change clears up confusion about who’s responsible during travel and affects anyone carrying firearms on common or contract carriers. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Keeping Your Firearm Onboard Is Not a 'Delivery'
If you travel on a common or contract carrier (for example, an airline or intercity bus) and you keep a firearm or ammunition on your person or in baggage under your immediate control for the entire trip, ATF says you are not treated as having "delivered" it to the carrier under 18 U.S.C. 922(e). This clarification applies when you maintain direct control and do not relinquish possession or custody to the carrier.
Taxis, Rideshares, and Metro Trains Aren't 'Carriers' Here
ATF proposes that for purposes of 18 U.S.C. 922(e), public or private for-hire vehicles (like taxis, limousines, and rideshares) and municipal or regional mass transit vehicles (including ones that cross state lines) are not "common or contract carriers" when passengers cannot deliver firearms into the custody of the operator. That means the statute's delivery/notice rules do not apply to those types of vehicles as described.
Checked Baggage Still Triggers Notice Requirements
ATF reiterates that if you relinquish control of a suitcase or other baggage that contains a firearm or ammunition (for example, by checking it with an airline), that constitutes a "delivery" under 18 U.S.C. 922(e) and the individual must provide the required written notice to the carrier before transport.
Federal 922(e) Rules Don’t Replace Other Laws
ATF says that compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922(e) is separate from other federal, state, or local rules that limit carrying firearms on certain transport modes (for example, aircraft rules at 49 U.S.C. 46505 or state bans on firearms aboard buses). You could comply with 922(e) but still be barred by other laws or regulations.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-09155, Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions
Starting June 10, 2026, the ATF is updating its rules to match new laws that lower the tax rates on certain National Firearms Act (NFA) guns. This means folks who deal with these firearms will pay less tax when registering or transferring them. The changes keep the rules clear, fair, and up-to-date with the latest law.
2026-09160, Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.
2026-09154, Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act
The ATF wants to let married couples register certain firearms together under the National Firearms Act. This means spouses can share ownership without needing extra paperwork when transferring guns between them. If you’re married and deal with these firearms, you can comment on this change by July 7, 2026, and it could save you time and hassle in the future.
2026-09157, Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements
The ATF wants to make it easier for licensed gun sellers to sell firearms without the buyer being there in person, as long as background checks are done. This change lets sellers use remote ID checks and send electronic notices to local law enforcement. If you’re a licensed gun dealer or buyer, get ready for more flexible, tech-friendly rules starting after the comment period ends on August 6, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08916, Clarifying Interstate Transportation of Firearms Under the Gun Control Act
The ATF is making it clearer that when you’re traveling with firearms across state lines, normal stops like eating, resting, or fixing your car count as part of your trip and are protected by law. This update also covers moving ammo and gun accessories safely between states. If you’re involved in transporting firearms, you can comment on these changes until August 4, 2026, with no new fees involved.
Next: 2026-08918, Clarifying Exceptions to the Brady Act Background Check Requirement
The ATF is updating rules to make it clearer when a state gun permit can replace a background check during gun sales. This change affects gun buyers and sellers by simplifying some paperwork and making sure the rules match the law exactly. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts, and no new fees or costs are expected.