In Michigan, though, having a handgun in your car without a valid Michigan carry permit is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, even if you're not accused of any kind of violent offense. AdvertisementWhat the Michigan State Police considers "criminal activity" is constitutionally protected behavior in more than half the country. An 1813 Kentucky law was perhaps the earliest post-founding example, prohibiting the concealed carry of certain weapons “unless when travelling on a journey.” An 1820 Indiana law was similar, limiting its concealed carry ban by stating it “shall not be so construed as to affect travellers.” For example, an 1867 Nevada law barred concealed carry for everyone who was not a “peace officer or traveler.”