Visiting VA but I have questions.

[NJ1776]

Hi, I am from NJ and will be visiting family down in Fairfax, VA. Now I am sure most of you known it's almost impossible to get a CCW Permit in NJ but I have an out of state FL and UT permit. From what I read I am allow to carry in VA but I am worried about being so close to DC. I was wondering if anyone can give me advice about carrying in Fairfax so close to DC. And just to make sure I am not miss-reading anything... No gun signs have no power of law and that 10 round magazines will be fine for carrying. Thanks for the advice.

[smltooner]

It doesn't matter how close you get to DC....just DO NOT cross the line.
Any size magazine is fine.
Enjoy your visit.

[Chasbo00]

Good info here that should answer your questions and then some:

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/virginia.pdf

[WRW]

No gun signs do have the force of law. Virginia gives the benefit of doubt that the sign may not have been seen on entry, but on being informed that the sign was missed the offender must leave or face the possibility of legal action.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[trailrunner]

I live in Fairfax County, about ten miles from Fairfax City. You'll be fine in VA, and hopefully you'll know when you enter DC. The Potomac a River separates DC from VA, so you shouldn't accidentally wander in to DC. 10 round mags are fine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MarcSpaz]

Like Bill mentioned... the sings do have force of law, but... its not a firearms violation. It would be a trespassing charge at worst... which in VA, the first offense is a written warning. (ask me how I know. LOL).

Anyway, I CC everywhere, sign or no sing. If someone realizes I'm carrying and they ask me to leave, so be it. I won't be a victim.

That said, if you plan on visiting the Pentagon 9/11 memorial (which is in VA), leave it at the hotel or family member's home. Firearms on Federal property will get you in some serious trouble.

With a carry permit, there is no limit on round capacity. With out a permit, its a max of 20 rounds, and only in a few counties in Northern VA. Since you have a permit, you are good to go.

As far as going into DC, it is really obvious when you cross the river. Stay south and west of the Potomac and you should be fine.

[NJ1776]

Thanks for the advice so far. One more question just because legal speak is confusing... Is it ok to leave my gun in my car in a parking lot if I lock it in a trunk?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Nevermore1]

Leaving it in your car is fine if you're not concerned about possible theft. As for the 10 round mag that is for if you do not have a concealed permit for most of the northern counties in the state. Since you have a permit you should be good to go. As others have mentioned you're good in VA but be careful about crossing over into DC or MD. I live just outside the Beltway in Annandale/Fairfax.

[flyingron]

Note that the river is part of DC. There are certain places like Columbia Island (near Arlington Cemetary) which are often confused as being part of Virginia as the bulk of the Potomac is east of them.

As pointed out MD isn't particularly gun friendly either.

Virginia is lax on carrying guns in cars. It just needs to be "secured" which would included not only the trunk but any compartment in the vehicle and it doesn't even need to be locked.

[AlanM]

Don't even think about taking a firearm or ANY ammo into DC!
One wayward .22 cartridge under a vehicle carpet could bind you up for quite some time.

[MarcSpaz]

Just to clarify Alan's post a touch more, "cartridge" includes completely empty brass with no powder or primer, brand new or spent case... it all equals being arrested.

DC is so tough on gun ownership, I'm shocked they don't arrest people for having GSR on their clothing or skin... cuz, you know, you might use some of that unburnt chemical to criminally shoot someone.

[flyingron]

Gee I remember back when I was a kid and touring the FBI building (well the FBI offices in the DOJ building...this was before the Efrem Zimbalist building) and seeing the shooting demonstration and being given some spent cases as souvenirs.