Knife in car VA

[Dreamcast270mhz]

I want to know, under virginia or federal law, can I have a fixed blade knife under my seat of my car? I have a fixed blade knife about 4 inches in length that I use with a striker in case I need to start a fire. However I want to make sure that having a fixed blade my seat is not "concealed" in a legal sense. I have a folding blade too, but it is shorter and cannot be used with my striker easily...

 

[Craig_AR]

Knife in Car in Virginia

Fromthe Virginia State Police web site at
http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm
==
Virginia Code Section 18.2-308 - Prohibits the carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or any weapon of like kind by any person hidden from common observance about his person. Any of the enumerated weapons shall be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. A weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.
==

MY personal interpretation of the above, with regard to your question, is that yes, that last sentence makes a knife tucked under the seat as concealed. I think that there is some room for discussion about whether a 4-inch fixed blade knife is covered by "dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete," but if the LEO says it is in a stop, especially given that it is concealed as you describe, then I suspect you are gonna be behind the 8-ball.

Craig

 

[tyeo098]

==
Virginia Code Section 18.2-308 - Prohibits the carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or any weapon of like kind by any person hidden from common observance about his person. Any of the enumerated weapons shall be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. A weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.
==

This applies on your person.
Virginia has laws inplace that are similar to Florida's, meaning you can carry a knife, gun, rocketlauncher, etc in your car so long as its not "easily accessable" meaning in a snap sheath ot snap holster.

ie, you have to do something before the blade is exposed or trigger can be pulled, unsnap a holster, open the glove box, etc.

 

[hso]

Fed law doesn't care except to restrict blade length on fed facilities.

BTW, put your knife in a 3-day bag with the supplies needed to survive 72hrs and you might actually have a reasonable explanation for the knife.

 

[tazbigdog]

I retired as a LEO in VA 11 years ago. Did that job for 14 years and cited tons of people for concealed weapons. But a fixed blade 4 inch knife under the front seat, no.

I've had people with dirks, bowie, switchblade, razor, etc. hidden on their person, as well as firearms, but under the seat would not apply.

If your still concerned, I'd put it in the trunk. Good luck.

 

[essayons21]

Virginia now allows permitless carry of a concealed handgun in a container or compartment of your vehicle, including glove compartments and other unlocked, accessible containers.

While the law is specific to handguns, I'd have a hard time imagining a LEO or judge hemming you up for a knife when guns are legal w/o a permit. Assuming you aren't doing something else seriously wrong.