Source: https://www.uslawshield.com/pennsylvania-can-licensees-carry-on-atvs/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 00:24:33+00:00

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Pennsylvania: Can Licensees Carry on ATV's?
If I have a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry a Firearm (LTCF), may I legally carry a loaded firearm on my ATV or Snowmobile in Pennsylvania for self-defense purposes?
At first glance, it may seem like this is a quick post in that the answer is: “no.” This would be misleading and almost completely wrong. In order to find the true and complete answer, there are a number of Pennsylvania laws that must be read together to form a complete picture.
The answer is if you have a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry a Firearm (“LTCF”), you are permitted to carry a loaded “firearm” (as defined in the UFA meaning a handgun, SBS or SBR) on an ATV or Snowmobile for purposes of self-defense ONLY. You may not carry a loaded firearm for any other reason, even if you have a valid LTCF. Specifically, you cannot hunt with that firearm.
A further analysis of Title 34 takes us to section 2525, which specifically states that it is lawful for a holder of a valid LTCF to carry a firearm, loaded or unloaded, while engaged in any activity regulated by title 34. However, it is equally clear from this title that it can be carried for self-defense only and not for hunting or harvesting wildlife.
Finally, we take a look at Title 18, Chapter 61 – the Uniform Firearms Act. Section 6109 relates to Licenses to Carry. Subsection m.2 addresses inconsistent provisions that may be found throughout the Pennsylvania Statutes and specifically addresses 75 Pa.C.S. § 7727. §6109(m.2) grants permission for a holder of a valid LTCF to carry a loaded firearm even though §7727 seems to prohibit such act.
It is important to note that the definition of “firearm” comes from Title 18, Section 6102. A firearm for purposes of these exception is any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. This means a modern handgun, a short-barrel rifle or short-barrel shotgun (both of which require an NFA tax stamp to lawfully possess).
These exceptions do not apply to long guns – so long guns cannot be carried loaded on an ATV or Snowmobile at any time.
In reading all of these statutes together, we can put the puzzle pieces together and see that if you are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, and you have a valid LTCF, you can carry a loaded firearm (meaning a modern handgun, lawfully registered SBS or SBR) while on an ATV or Snowmobile for purposes of self-defense only, but not for any other purpose.
The text of the pertinent statutes is below.
Operate or ride in any snowmobile or ATV with any bow and arrows or with any firearm in his possession unless it is unstrung or unloaded.
Drive or pursue any game or wildlife with a snowmobile or an ATV.
(a) General rule.–Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to have a firearm of any kind in or on or against any conveyance propelled by mechanical power or its attachments at any time whether or not the vehicle or its attachment is in motion unless the firearm is unloaded. The exceptions in this subsection do not apply when attempting to locate game or wildlife with an artificial light or when exercising any privileges granted by this title which may be exercised only when not in the possession of a firearm.
(1) A police officer engaged in the performance of his official duty.
(2) A commission officer engaged in the performance of his duty.
(3) A person carrying a loaded pistol or revolver when in possession of a valid firearms license issued by the chief or head of any police force or the sheriff of a county when the license is issued for protection under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 Subch. A (relating to Uniform Firearms Act).
(4) Any person as defined in section 2121(c) (relating to killing game or wildlife to protect property) while on lands they control and when not hunting or trapping for game or wildlife.
(5) Any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached or any sailboat if the motor has been completely shut off or the sail furled and its progress therefrom has ceased.
(6) Any political subdivision, its employees or agents, which has a valid deer control permit issued under section 2902(c) (relating to general categories of permits).
The exceptions in paragraphs (1) through (5) do not apply when attempting to locate game or wildlife with an artificial light or when exercising any privileges granted by this title which may be exercised only when not in the possession of a firearm.
(c) Penalty.–A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fourth degree if the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the violation is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
Possession of firearm for protection of self or others.
(a) General rule.–It is lawful for a law enforcement officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm issued under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 (relating to licenses) to be in possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any activity regulated by this title.
(1) This section shall supersede any prohibition on the possession of a firearm or ammunition contained in any other provision of this title.
“Firearm.” As defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6102 (relating to definitions).
“Law enforcement officer.” As defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6102(relating to definitions).
(a) Purpose of license.— A license to carry a firearm shall be for the purpose of carrying a firearm concealed on or about one’s person or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth.
Attorney Katherine E. McShane has been practicing law for approximately 10 years. During that time she has worked exclusively in the criminal arena both as a prosecutor and defense attorney. She became actively involved with U.S. Law Shield of Pennsylvania in 2014, with more and more of her practice being focused on protecting our 2nd Amendment Rights. She is constantly expanding her knowledge by attending firearms related trainings focusing on firearms law, federal firearms regulations, and everyday issues for Law Abiding Gun Owners. She has attended both state and federal training seminars, including the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY in 2016.

References: § 7727
 §6109
 §7727
 § 6109
 § 6102
 § 6102