TexasCHLforum.com

Federal transportation laws state that you can carry an unloaded secured firearm from any location where you can legally possess a firearm to another such location. You stated that your destination is in New Jersey. Unless you have a New Jersey Firearm Owners ID, it is not legal for you to possess a firearm in New Jersey, so the Federal transportation statutes do not protect you.

Many in similar situations advocate leaving your SD pistol at a gunshop just outside of NJ for "professional cleaning" during your stay in NJ. You could pick it back up on your way home. This would obviously have to be arranged prior to the trip.

IANAL, so take everything I said with a grain of salt. Good luck and stay safe!