Final answer:
The legal and safe method to transport a firearm in a motor vehicle is to have it unloaded and placed in the trunk. Keeping the firearm unloaded and separate from passengers minimizes the risk of accidental discharge and ensures compliance with common legal standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal and safe way of transporting your firearm in a motor vehicle is unloaded, in the trunk. This complies with provisions that require firearms to be secured and not immediately accessible or ready for use while in transport. It's essential that the firearm is unloaded to prevent accidental discharge, and keeping it in the trunk separates it from the passenger compartment, which is a common legal requirement. In contrast, carrying a loaded firearm on the passenger seat or under the passenger seat is typically illegal and unsafe, as it is easily accessible and could lead to tragic accidents or legal issues. While some jurisdictions might allow storing an unloaded firearm in the glove compartment, many consider the trunk to be the standard method of transport for safety and compliance with the law.