First trip to a state (SC) that doesn't honor my CCL (AL)

[Bob_P]

An organization my wife and I belong to has scheduled an event in Greenville, SC so this will be the first time travelling to a state that doesn't accept my Alabama CHL. My primary concern is the possibility of being profiled by South Carolina law enforcement due to having an Alabama license plate and NRA and other pro-Second Amendment decals and on my vehicle (small SUV). Has anyone from Alabama or another non-reciprocated state experienced any issues while driving there?

The reason for my concern is that, according to the NRA-ILA, both SLED and SCSA opposed H. 3025, which was to be a true Right-to-Carry recognition bill (Reference: www.nraila.org/articles/20160309/south-carolina-hearing-for-important-carry-bills-canceled). If the major SC law enforcement agencies are opposed to such legislation, then I wonder if they also apply special scrutiny to residents of non-reciprocated states who are visiting. Determining if a driver has a CHL or CCW permit would simply require them to run the license plate number.

It appears that, according to SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions, I would be able to lock my handgun in a secured glove compartment or a fastened container before entering SC, however to avoid any possible complications, I've decided not to do so and will leave my handgun at home.

In the event that I would have to defend myself, I will have to rely on pepper spray and a tac light. But even that is regulated - I will have to leave my standard two and four ounce OC pepper sprays at home and order a special smaller 50 cc (approximately 1.8 oz) in order to carry OC defensive spray in South Carolina. I haven't checked yet, but I sure hope the length or lumen output of my tac light isn't regulated by SC law.

In order to keep a lower profile, I also plan to remove my NRA and pro-2A decals before entering the state - wise or unnecessary? Please, I don't want to turn this into a general pro/con discussion of the wisdom of having NRA/pro-2A decals on vehicles as that has been thoroughly discussed in the forum. What I'm looking for are opinions and advice specific to my circumstance. I'm having an extremely difficult time with this decision.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[Hummer70]

Have lived in Alabama and SC, currently in SC.

Handgun, carry in center console, glove box or trunk. Loaded is fine. Does not have to be locked.


We are working on getting a law passed to honor all states. One Senator blocks it year after year. We may get to his county to take him out this time as he has competition I just heard. It passes the house easily. Senate rules say if only one out of like 46 senators objects it cannot be brought up.

Don't worry about profiling here, New Jersey, New York, Mass yes but not here.

Don't worry about NRA stickers, see'em all the time. Only reason I don't mount them is wife does not want ANY stickers on her car. Even for politicians she likes. I run'em on mine.

 

[maxxhavoc]

It appears that, according to SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions, I would be able to lock my handgun in a secured glove compartment or a fastened container before entering SC, however to avoid any possible complications, I've decided not to do so and will leave my handgun at home.

Not sure why you would go unarmed. Just throw the loaded gun in your glovebox or console. The Glovebox or Console just has to be closed...not locked. In some areas, not having an NRA sticker will make you stand out. Don't worry about your plates or your stickers...the cops won't care either way.

 

[Bob_P]

Re: Handgun, carry in center console, glove box or trunk

Hummer and maxx - but since I'm not a resident of SC and can't carry, wouldn't the handgun have to remain in the "container" for the duration of my stay? Meaning I couldn't legally move it from the vehicle to the hotel room?

Thanks for your replies

 

[Plan2Live]

Bob P - I think you are overthinking the situation. I wholeheartedly acknowledge that there are some law enforcement officers in SC that do not think the general public should be armed but this does not appear to be a common opinion. And even if you do run into one of those officers as long as you are following the laws you will be fine. As others have stated, and as www.handgunlaw.us can verify, you can legally carry a loaded pistol in your glove compartment or center console as long as that compartment has a "latch". Captain Jim McClary with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) heads up the CWP program and has what he calls a "Do Right Rule" meaning his advice to law enforcement agencies around the state is as long as the person appears to be trying to do the right thing give them the benefit of the doubt.

As for the transition between your vehicle and your hotel room, you are allowed, under state statute, to concealed a firearm on your body when transitioning between your home, your vehicle and your place of business. Granted the hotel is not your "home" but under other state statutes a temporary residence is considered your "home". If you are truly worried about the transition, bring a locking storage container and lock it during the transition.

SC generally does not recognize permits from other states with lesser background or training requirements for their permit holders. I don't see that as a bad thing and I doubt one lawmaker is the only thing holding back 50 state reciprocity. But what do I know, I just teach the CWP class, attend the continuing ed offered by SLED, listen to what they say in the meetings and during casual conversation before and after the meetings and pay attention to the politics of gun laws in our state.

I hope you enjoy your trip to SC and do well on the range.

 

[SmokeyVol]

Handgun carry in SC

What event are you attending in Greenville, SC. I might want to join in if it involves firearms. I have lived in Greenville for the past 35 years and your fears are unfounded. Never been pulled over in SC and the laws on how to store your gun in your vehicle are pretty lax.

 

[Bob_P]

SmokeyVol - the event in non-firearms related. It's a K9 Nose Work (NACSW) trial for dogs. Thanks for the info!

 

[BobTheTomato]

I have visited my parents in Myrtle Beach several times without issue. I just stop short of the SC line and store my piece in the glove compartment. Never any problems with the local police even with my "Don't steal the government hates competition" bumper sticker. Have a good trip.

 

[mgmorden]

As mentioned - just toss it in the glovebox or center console. It's just as legal there as if you were carrying, so why not put it there in the name of "avoiding complications". For the most part law enforcement here is fine.

Heck last time I was stopped (granted it was a DNR officer checking me after fishing) I let him know I was carrying (we have a duty to inform) and his only response was "That's fine." and continued on.

 

[Bob_P]

BobTheTomato - thanks for sharing your experience. That's probably what I'll do to store my firearm on the way in.

 

[gbran]

I live in California and often visit someone near and dear in Nevada and vice versa.

When he comes to CA he keeps his pistol in an unlocked case. If he is pulled over, he takes out the mag, shuts and locks the case.

 

[Bob_P]

mgmorden - so in my case, I would just inform the officer that, even though I'm not conceal carrying on my person, I have a firearm in the glove compartment? Thanks for the info...

 

[Bob_P]

Plan2Live - thanks for the detailed information. Those are impressive credentials, so I'd say you know quite a bit! You're right, I do tend to "overthink" things when it comes to firearms and weapons laws. But being wrong and violating SC law can, according to SECTION 16-23-5, result in misdemeanor charges with a fine up to $1K and jail time up to a year. And the firearm will be confiscated. Does SC allow out-of-state folks to take your CWP training class? Seems to me that would be a possible solution to the differences on our states' permitting requirements.
Thanks again for your reply.

 

[Jlr2267]

mgmorden - so in my case, I would just inform the officer that, even though I'm not conceal carrying on my person, I have a firearm in the glove compartment? Thanks for the info...

Not required. Just keep your vehicle registration/insurance papers in a separate compartment from your firearm.

 

[mgmorden]

mgmorden - so in my case, I would just inform the officer that, even though I'm not conceal carrying on my person, I have a firearm in the glove compartment? Thanks for the info...

No - your'e not required to inform that there's a gun in the vehicle. Just if you had a CWP and were carrying.

My example was just to show that law enforcement isn't really panicky when it comes to the civilians with guns issue here. Heck as another example when I asked my local PD how much it would cost to get my fingerprints taken. When they asked what for and I responded that I needed the card for my Arizona out of state carry permit, they enthusiastically responded that they'd do them for free.

 

[ny32182]

SC is about as gun friendly as it gets.

If you don't have a recognized permit, just keep it in your glove box or console (loaded); is fine.

Transition it into your hotel room however you like.

Enjoy your stay.

 

[Al Thompson]

Another SC resident here - agree with the advice above, only caution I'd give would be to watch your speed. Not many speed traps around, but the SCHP does keep a close eye on I-85. I'm pretty lazy, so I just drive the limit and don't worry about the cops. Helps on gas mileage in my 4x4 too.

 

[Hummer70]

Also watch your speed on I-20 in Georgia SC side of Atlanta. There is about four sections manned by county mounties.

 

[Bob_P]

Al Thompson - thanks for the heads up. I found out that the venue for the event is managed by the public school system and is considered school property, so that pretty much nixes bringing a firearm.

Thanks again for all replies to this thread.

 

[hso]

unnecessary

You're being a far too paranoid about this. South Carolina is far from being New Jersey.

Unload and lock your firearm up in the vehicle (preferably a bag in the back) and put the mag or speedloader in the locked glove box and don't worry about your stickers.