Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

well were should I put it to be safe if I have someone with me? I put it on the front pass seat when no one is with me I was told that or the dash is ok by a chesepeake and a va beach officer. im still new to the carrying part and like I said I want to avoid trouble as much as i can.

The front passenger seat is always a good choice. The dash poses a problem since the gun could go flying if you make a quick move in traffic, or worse, get in an accident.

If you are 21 y/o, get your CHP. If your not old enough yet, then the front or back seat back be the best option if you want it to be truly in plain view.

There are many opinions on what the definition of open carry is when in a vehicle. The one that counts is the opinion of the police officer. At least until you get into a court of law. My opinion is that you try to avoid that particular scenario.

hemifan87 wrote:would this be considerd concealed or is this ok just wondering I dont have a concealed perment yet and didnt want truble if i got pulled over

I think you need a smaller gun for that spot. Yes, I think a police officer would consider it concealed, at least enough that you may have to explain why it isn't to a judge. Open carry is still legal if there is no place to secure the weapon.

"OakRidgeStars" If you are 21 y/o, get your CHP

I plan on getting it as soon as I get the extra money(after the new year) thanks for the advice guys

I have my CHP and drive around with a loaded revolver locked in a under-seat lockbox. Is this legal? I believe it is, just wanted to run it by someone..

Yes sir. Nothing wrong with that all.

And, Welcome to VGOF

OakRidgeStars wrote:The front passenger seat is always a good choice. The dash poses a problem since the gun could go flying if you make a quick move in traffic, or worse, get in an accident.

If you are 21 y/o, get your CHP. If your not old enough yet, then the front or back seat back be the best option if you want it to be truly in plain view.

There are many opinions on what the definition of open carry is when in a vehicle. The one that counts is the opinion of the police officer. At least until you get into a court of law. My opinion is that you try to avoid that particular scenario.

I drive a convertible, passenger seat is too vulnerable for my liking with the top down. And the way I take turns, my piece would fly off the dash and onto the sidewalk, Once my permit arrives, it'll be OK in the center console, but until then, what?

SigmaShooter wrote: I drive a convertible, passenger seat is too vulnerable for my liking with the top down. And the way I take turns, my piece would fly off the dash and onto the sidewalk, Once my permit arrives, it'll be OK in the center console, but until then, what?

you can already legally have it in the console...or the glovebox...or any other compartment your car may have. Its just has to be in a different compartment than you. No permit needed unless you want to actually have it in a holster strapped on you while driving

Attach a holster to the seat belt on the passenger seat and carry in that. As long as it's visible you shouldn't have any issues with Johnny Law.

For that matter, you could attach a holster anywhere in the car as long as it's visible.

OakRidgeStars wrote: For that matter, you could attach a holster anywhere in the car as long as it's visible.

i was just told that it cant be in a holster in the car. iwas told you have to be able to see 100% of the gun in the car. i was told this by one of the guys at supereor gun

hemifan87 wrote:

OakRidgeStars wrote: For that matter, you could attach a holster anywhere in the car as long as it's visible.

i was just told that it cant be in a holster in the car. iwas told you have to be able to see 100% of the gun in the car. i was told this by one of the guys at supereor gun

The law is vague and different officers interpret it differently. I had a friend get arrested for having it 100% in view on the passenger seat. Go figure. However, like my friend, I don't know of anyone who actually was convicted of any wrong doing for OCing in of itself. The law says common observation which you can expect to argue over in court (if it ever makes it that far).

If you don't tell the officer that you are carrying, how can they know you are carrying unless it is commonly observable?

The 100% in view is not what the law says. That is how some people wish to roll because they believe there is less risk.

I have a CHP. However, when driving it is more comfortable and accessible for me to drive with my sidearm in the door "map" pocket.

Is this no longer concealed carry for it is not on my person?
Is this a legal way to transport my loaded weapon?

Thanks

The handgun doesn't have to be on your person to be concealed. It can be in the console, door pocket or under the seat. It's all good. All you need is to have your CHP and valid ID with you.

Thanks!

it doesn't have to be visible at all if you put it in the glove box or center console. the law changed from what it used to be. It just has to be in a separate compartment.

"As of July 1, 2010, a concealed handgun permit is not necessary when carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel."

quoted directly off of the state police website
http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_Transporting.shtm

chfaunce wrote:

FordTek wrote:Here's a twist. My understanding is you can carry concealed in a federal park if you have a chp. What about carrying in your car without a CHP. If I drive through a federal park, like skyline drive, am I still legal?

Is open carry legal in National Parks? I don't recall. If it IS legal, I'd recommend just leaving the handgun in open sight on your passenger's seat. If it is NOT legal to open carry in a National Park (again, I simply can't remember right now), I'd say to either obtain a CHP or keep your bang stick in a locked compartment / container in your trunk.

I was up on Skyline this past weekend and I CC'ed. I plan to return again this coming weekend - (off topic) the news led me to believe that peak colors were occurring last weekend, but I question that. Looked to be *maybe* in the 50-60% peak range - certainly not the 80% they'd claimed.

Firearms are not allowed on Federal/State Parks/Forests during non-hunting seasons. If you have a CHP, then you are allowed to carry during non-hunting seasons. However, during hunting season, open carry is lawful. You can find this information on the VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website. From my understanding, hunting season is from first day of bow season (deer) (late September) until end spring gobbler season (early March). This law went into effect June, 2010 (mainly to please other users of park and forest land (hikers, mountain bikers, and tree huggers)).

Heard on the radio this morning that in response to AZ shootings, VA is proposing a ban on guns on state parks.
-Didn't we JUST GET the right to carry on state parks about a month ago???

A very very short while ago courtesy of the governor and his gun owner supporting ways....

http://vagunforum.net/virginia-laws/gov ... t7457.html

Daholt757 wrote: you can already legally have it in the console...or the glovebox...or any other compartment your car may have. Its just has to be in a different compartment than you. No permit needed unless you want to actually have it in a holster strapped on you while driving

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but am I reading this right? Is having my gun holstered on my side considered concealed while I am in my car?

gtommec wrote:Sorry to bring up an old thread, but am I reading this right? Is having my gun holstered on my side considered concealed while I am in my car?

If it is "hidden from common observation," then yes. The general idea is if someone looking at you would not be able to see that you have a gun on your hip, then it would be concealed.

For example, there was a case several years ago in which a cop stopped a guy walking down the street, carrying a backpack. It turned out the guy had a gun in his hip pocket - but the backpack had covered it up, so the cop couldn't see it until he moved the backpack away. The gun was "hidden from common observation" and therefore was concealed.

If you have a CHP, it doesn't matter - that's the whole point of a CHP - it allows you to conceal a handgun.

But if you don't have a CHP, you generally can't carry a handgun concealed, even in your car - other than the exception discussed above, which allows you to conceal a gun "secured in a compartment or container" in the vehicle.