Transporting / keeping rifle in trunk w/ CHP

[burns]

I've been perusing the posts regarding transporting a firearm in a vehicle but I haven't seen this specific question addressed:

In Virginia, can a CHP holder keep / transport a loaded rifle in their car or trunk? What about an unloaded rifle with loaded magazines next to it?

I have no plans on doing this except for taking my rifle to the range, but I'm curious.

Thanks in advance for any informed answers on this.

Burns

[OakRidgeStars]

I can't find anything in the VA code that gives a CHP holder more rights than anyone else when it comes to carrying a loaded long gun in your car.

I do know that certain cities and counties do not allow loaded rifles and shotguns to be carried in a vehicle. If you are transporting a long gun to and from a range, my advice would be to unload and clear it before placing in your vehicle.

[zephyp]

I can't find anything in the VA code that gives a CHP holder more rights than anyone else when it comes to carrying a loaded long gun in your car.

I do know that certain cities and counties do not allow loaded rifles and shotguns to be carried in a vehicle. If you are transporting a long gun to and from a range, my advice would be to unload and clear it before placing in your vehicle.

Yup, I'd agree. VA code does grant special privileges to CHP holders to carry certain loaded weapons (including so called assault rifles) in certain districts qualified as public areas (link below) but I wouldnt advise it. I have a CHP and when I go to the range, I've got my EDC gun on me, and everything else unloaded and in the trunk.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... 18.2-287.4

[wally626]

Basic answer is maybe.

State code § 15.2-915.2. This section empowers the governing body of any county or city to, by ordinance, make it unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within such locality. Any violation of such ordinance shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce theprovisions of this section. No ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be enforceable unless the governing body adopting such ordinance so notifies the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which such ordinance is to take effect. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifleor shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

You can carry a long gun in the trunk unloaded anywhere in the state, you can carry it in the cabin of a vehicle if it is not concealed. The long gun can be loaded or not depending on your locality. If you are going to the range you may as well leave it unloaded, most ranges do not permit taking in loaded long guns anyway.

[burns]

If there is no round chambered, and there is a loaded magazine which is kept next to the gun but not in it, the gun is unloaded, yes?

[ProShooter]

State code § 15.2-915.2. The provisions of this section shall not apply to .......any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

ahhh, my favorite part!