Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Trying to find out if my 20 year old son can legally car carry his loaded pistol in his vehicles center console. Due to his age he is not eligible for a CC permit. OpenCarry.org is not clear, to me, on the subject. In one area, the website states that open car carry is legal as long as the gun is clearly visible. However, another area (travel map) states that a glove box (with no detailed info) is legal. Can anyone give me a clear, knowledgeable definition of the law? Thank you.

He can have the loaded gun in plain view (like on the seat next to him). This is the same as open carry. Concealed is defined as "hidden from common observation". If he put it on the seat and threw his coat over it, it would be concealed and would require a permit.

He can have the loaded gun "secured" in a compartment in the vehicle. (secured doesn't mean locked - just has to have some kind of latch that secures it. The glove compartment is fine. It is technically "legally concealed without a concealed carry permit." Code of Virginia 18.2-308 B (10)

He may be interested in this class as it discusses all of the concealed carry laws - http://proactiveshooters.com/general-co ... rry-in-va/

IANAL but; Anyone 18 years of age and older who is not a prohibited person may carry a handgun openly in VA. If you son is wearing his firearm in a holster on him so it is not hidden from common observation he is legal also In VA Code 18.2-308 it states

Except as provided in subsection J1, this section shall not apply to:
10. Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is 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.

Meaning he can have it in the glove compartment or center console without a CHP.
I hope this helps.

John

Is there an echo in here?

Yes Yes Yes yes

Sometimes I don't read everything first.

Well, I'm glad you guys agreed agreed agreed....

Thanks for the info, especially the Code reference. I went cross eyed a time or two trying to scan through the Va Codes before posting.

OldCorps1982 wrote:Thanks for the info, especially the Code reference. I went cross eyed a time or two trying to scan through the Va Codes before posting.

My pleasure. That's why we teach the class! (we already have enough cross eyed people in Virginia!)

Cross eyed dual wielders rock!