I would start by reading the very first thread in this subforum titled:
New? Start Here (Info only -- No Discussion Please)In fact, reply #22 should address your questions:
Open Carry w/out a CPLHere is the part of that post that answers your question.
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To transport your pistol you are required to have the pistol unloaded and enclosed in a case that is designed for the storage of firearms and the encased pistol has to be in the trunk of the vehicle or if there is no trunk it has to be not easily accessible to the people in the vehicle. It would be suggested that if you do not have a trunk to have a case that you can lock or place a lock onto, if it ever were to come into question its always best to appear to be making every attempt to comply with the law. The pistol and magazine do NOT have to be separated as it is not a requirement under MCL 750.231a, the firearm has to be unloaded which means no magazine in the firearm and no round chambered. The magazine can be in the same container as the firearm itself as long as the magazine is not loaded into the magazine well while you are transporting.
To ready your firearm for transportation here are the steps to follow:
Walk to the back of the vehicle with your firearms case
With both case and firearm completely outside of the vehicle find a spot to place your firearms case.
Unholster your pistol and remove the magazine and any rounds that might be chambered.
If you prefer you may place the round that was once chambered back into the magazine.
Place both the completely unloaded pistol and the (which is allowed to be loaded) magazine in your firearms case.
Place the firearm which is now located in your firearms case in the trunk of the vehicle and close the trunk.
You are ready to transport.
If you do NOT have a trunk place the encased and completely unloaded firearm at what is preferably the furthest most point in your vehicle where you or someone else will not be able to easily access it, if you have a lock on your firearms case secure the lock into the ‘locked’ state.
When you arrive at the destination where you can lawfully open carry you will need to retrieve your firearm from the trunk for the vehicle, or if there is no trunk from the location you placed the encased firearm. To retrieve your firearm follow the above steps in the reverse order:
Open the trunk (or locate your encased firearm)
Take the encased firearm and yourself completely outside of the vehicle, to include the trunk space
Open the case
Load your firearm
Holster
Place the now empty container back into your trunk or vehicle if you have no trunk
Open carry.
When handling your firearm at your trunk please remember all safe firearm handling practices to avoid any unwanted accidents, the firearm is required to be handled out of necessity due to the current laws, only handle your firearm when necessary and always be safe.