Question on carrying while traveling on upcoming trip

[nlax2011]

Alright, have been doing some reading and think I've come to a correct conclusion but wanted to make sure my logic is right.

I'm a FL resident and am waiting on my concealed permit which should be arriving in the next week or so. During the Christmas break the wife and I are taking a little trip and driving up to North Carolina for some skiing and will be driving through Florida (of course), Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Out of those the only state that doesn't recognize FL's CWP is South Carolina, but after some reading it seems that they allow you to keep a loaded handgun in a closed glovebox even without a permit.

So if I'm correct, is it alright for me to carry my gun concealed on me while driving through Florida and Georgia, and then when I get to South Carolina just keep the gun in the glovebox, and then can conceal again once I'm in North Carolina?

I've looked at the Federal provisions for interstate travel, but in this case it doesn't seem like that's applicable since I'll be relying on the concealed carry laws of the individual states?

I guess only other question was interstate rest stops.... are they just treated like any other "public" place in these states in regards to concealed carry? With the exception of S. Carolina where I wouldn't be able to anyway.

Thanks in advance for any insight. Can be a little tricky to sort out what is what, especially when trying to reconcile what you read on different forums vs. what the law actually says.

 

[Robert Hairless]

You're correct. South Carolina does not recognize Florida's permit but anyone who may legally own a handgun is permitted to have it (loaded) in the glove compartment or console. If you stay overnight you also may take it to and from your room and car. Just make sure not to take any detours between your room and car.

Carry at rest stops depends on each state's law at the moment. At the moment I believe that Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina all allow holders of recognized CWPs to carry at rest stops. Since your permit is not recognized in South Carolina, you can't. Hold it in until you get through the state.

Damned CWP laws are arbitrary and don't make much sense.

 

[saddenedcitizen]

Cross country travel can be an 'exercise in aggravation'

The laws in various states is a literal patchwork.
What is legal in one state will get you some 'free' lodging and a heafty attorney's bill in othere ( if you're lucky !! ).
In the past, I have checked with the Highway Patrol departments ( internet or by phone ) since they seem, in general, to have a better handle on what is and isn't allowed and I have neither the time nor patience to read through EVERY state's legal mumbo-jumbo, let alone understand it !!
Generally, the further east and north you get, the worse it gets. Illinois and New England in general come to mind.
Then you get some really strange situations.
Colorado - was told 'really not an issue in the boonies but', and I quasi quote, been a few years - 'stay the **** away from Denver' !!
You really just never know exactly what the locals may decide to charge you with if you have and accident etc. Maybe nothing, maybe some really ugly messy sticky expensive things.

 

[358minus1]

I live in SC and have my CWP. I concur with Robert Hairless. If you can legally have it, then it can be loaded or unloaded, inside the glove box or center console with the box or console locked or unlocked. If you do get your resident CWP in time, which is not recognized by SC, I'd still consider showing it to them along with your driver's license. But definitely store the gun in your glovebox/center console. DO NOT under any circumstances put it under the seat.

Do some more research on NC. I heven't gone there packing, but I have heard that in NC there are times when a gun in the car must be in plain sight. Not sure about any details. Maybe some NC residents can comment.