1. It is unlawful to carry a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun in or on any vehicle which is standing on or along, or is being driven on or along, any public highway or any other way open to the public.
2. For the purposes of this section:
(a) A rifle or shotgun is loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in the firing chamber, but not when the only cartridges or shells are in the magazine.
(b) A muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket is not loaded if the priming compound or element, including, without limitation, the priming powder or the unfired primer or percussion cap, is removed from the muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket.
3. The provisions of this section do not apply to paraplegics, persons with one or both legs amputated or who have suffered a paralysis of one or both legs which severely impedes walking, or peace officers and members of the Armed Forces of this State or the United States while on duty or going to or returning from duty.