how can i legally carry a firearm in my car?

Question

I'm already reviewing the process to get a CCW (concealed carry weapons permit) and I do have valid reasons to carry one. I'm just wondering, in the meantime, what is the best way to keep my firearm in my vehicle? I think it's legal to carry it in the original case, unloaded, but i can't find any good references online regarding this issue. If anyone can help me with information and links, i would be grateful. Thank you.

I live in california, santa clara county, but i often travel to alameda county and solono county

I know what to do when i am pulled over. I know that you should even tell them that you are reaching for your purse because your id and insurance info is in there. I just want to know references regarding keeping a firearm in your vehicle in california

I do have valid reasons (aka good cause) that are required by california law. I travel in rough areas, i work in the medical field and could be attacked for drugs or prescription pads and i camp regularly. I'm already in the process of getting my CCW!

Answer 1

Speaking in regard to most states' carrying laws, they are typically referring to CONCEALED carry, and usually for handguns. This is what you have to have a permit for, where allowed. Carrying a weapon in plain view however is not regulated, but usually so long as the weapon can be seen and obviously unloaded (bolt, cylinder, or slide held open) and posing no threat. I travel frequently with some of my rifles and pistols, usually in plain view with the bolts open. The same way people are allowed to keep their deer rifles mounted in the back windshield of their pickup truck, it can be seen. Now, knowing California has some of the most strict gun laws in the country, I can't make a case for you nor do I know of any info regarding that, but I would think they tend to frown upon seeing a weapon, especially an 'evil' handgun, loaded or not, in your vehicle. Personally, my philosophy is this, while I would never condone anyone breaking the law, and while I know that the government bestows the privelige to carry a concealed weapon, it is your God-given right to protect yourself when faced with danger. If you're going into a situation where you think it would be necessary to protect yourself, my advice would be to avoid it if possible, but if it can't be avoided and you know you'll have to defend yourself, carry the gun for THAT purpose only. But play it safe, ask a local law enforcement officer or someone in the know, and by all means, respect your local laws. Do not misconstrue what I am saying, don't break your state laws by carrying it around and don't use it for anything but defense, but if you need it, use it. I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried away by 6.
By the way, here are a few links that will hopefully help you out.
http://www.gunlaws.com/links/linksca.htm
http://www.handgunlaw.us/state-link.htm
http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/State/Specific.aspx?st=CA
http://carryconcealed.net/legal/california-ccw-state-laws.php

Answer 2

The law varies from state to state and in some cases even from County to County within states. We need to know which state (or states if you are traveling) you will be in, For example, if you are traveling, you might have a firearm legally stored in your car in one state only to find yourself in violation of the laws in of the state that you have just entered. In most states it is not legal to carry a firearm, even unloaded and in the original case if that firearm is being carried in the passenger compartment. In many states it is legal to transport a firemarm unloaded, in the original case in the trunk of your car. In some states the firearm must be disassembled, and in the trunk of your car. In some states I do not think that you can even carry the firearm disassembled in the trunk of your car. The best ting for you to do is contact an atorney licensed to practice law in your state and ask the attorney what the laws are in your state with respect to the presence of a firearm in your vehicle.

Answer 3

The best place to find out is at the library. The worst place to find out is from other people, including police officers. One cops opinion varies from the other.

Go to the library. Look up the California Penal Code:

Part 1. Of Crimes and Punishment
Title 2. Control of Deadly Weapons
Chapter 1. Firearms

Read:

Article 1. General Provisions

Article 2. Unlawful Carrying and Possesion of Weapons

Article 3. Licenses to Carry Pistols and Revolvers

If possible, take classes on self-defense, not physical, legal

Here in Florida, they offer them at the Gunshows. Even though I have my license, I still attend occasionaly to gain a better understanding of self-defense and use of deadly force.

'tis better to learn on the outside, than to learn on the inside, if you know what I mean.

This is what I do:

I always have my license and registration ready before the policeman even gets out of his car. I don't tell them I have a firearm in the car unless a.) they ask or b.) I am asked to get out of the vehicle, at which point I put my hands on the window sill of the cardoor and THEN respond to the question: "I have a firearm in the vehicle" and I don't move until he says so.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Santa Clara County Ccw

Answer 5

I know it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a CCW permit in Los Angeles County. I'm not too sure about other counties but I have been told that basically any major city or surrounding areas it is extremely difficult to get a CCW. Out of all the applicants only 2-4 people are awarded one after the period and it expires in a year. To carry a gun in the car it is very simple. Hand gun in the trunk, ammo in the glove compartment. The gun should have a gun lock on it and you could have legal consequences if it doesn't have a lock on it.

Answer 6

Different states have different laws regarding carrying handguns. Some allow you to carry them in the open, unloaded. If this is true in your state, you must be very careful when the police stop you. Leave the gun in the open and DON'T REACH FOR ANYTHING UNTIL THE OFFICER TELLS YOU TO-DON'T EVEN SCRATCH YOUR NOSE WITHOUT TELLING HIM/HER WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Keep your hands where they can be seen and tell them right away you have your gun with you. Roll your window down and keep a death grip with both hands on the steering wheel until they direct otherwise.

Answer 7

Legally carrying a firearm in your car means you get yourself a firearm License, but unless you have a valid reason to need a firearm, you are going to do it illegally. The Authorities wouldn't waste the ink to stamp your form request.

Answer 8

You'll have to say in which state you live to get information about it. Each state is different.

Answer 9

Need to know what state you are in. Gun laws are set by the states and differ from one state to the next.

Answer 10

Oh, that is SUCH a good idea...In Pennsylvania, people drive around with guns on the back window of their pick up trucks. YOu could move there. I think it is a bad idea, especially if you are in bumper to bumper traffic.