Question on VA Law

[Camp David]

Fellow Virginians....

As a fellow VA resident, I have a question on current law pertaining to handguns... need help....

What is current regulation on handgun possession in vehicles in VA? Can handgun which was legally purchased by resident be loaded and kept in glove compartment (or elsewhere) of vehicle by a legal resident without concealed weapons permit? I was having a discussion with someone else and questions arose... wanted to solicit someone else's opinion on VA law...

2nd inquiry, if one is stopped for traffic offense, should one declare firearm in car?

 

[ZenMasterJG]

I'm sure you'll get fine advice here, but the best way to be absolutly sure would be to call your local police or your lawyer.

 

[Bubbles]

1. Loaded & in glove box is concealed. If you don't have a CHL, spend the $ and get one. It'll be cheaper than a defense attorney.

2. No, but I do it anyway as a courtesy... and a few cops consider a CHL to be a "get out of ticket free" card.

 

[skidmark]

^ +1 on what Bubbles said. You can go here http://www.virginia1774.org/ for some good citations of Virginia case law.

One of the least desired experiences you want to have is a LEO "discovering" that you are armed after said LEO has gotten more than a few seconds into his contact with you.

My experience, for what it's worth, is that most of the time the LEO appreciates the up-front notice and does nothing more than ask where it is. The one time I was asked to disarm I understood the reason for the request and thought it wiser to agree than to express my disagreement and debate the issue. YMMV.

stay safe.

skidmark

 

[JohnBT]

Loaded in glove box with no permit = NOPE

Loaded on seat in plain view with no permit = YEP, perfectly legal. Don't throw a coat or newspaper over the gun on the seat because then it's back to being concealed. On the dash is also legal, but somebody might just get scared and call the cops on you.

John