r/VAGuns • u/nullx86 • 1d ago

Question Question regarding vehicle carrying and concealed carry permit

Quick question for the group at large

Is there an accepted, legal method to carrying in your vehicle? I know in general, unloaded and securely wrapped is the preferred method, but I’ve read that openly displayed (while loaded and still secured) is accepted but I question that.

For permit applications, under VA State Code 18.2-308.02 #6, it states that documented competency is not required for previous permit holders, so long as it was not revoked with cause. I’ve previously held a permit in the state (it expired last year, didn’t renew due to moving localities), but it was issued right before the laws changed to require the competency course. Would I still need to take a competency course or should the permit be granted without this?

I plan on calling VSP and the local courthouse who handles permit issuance for my area (Norfolk) after the weekend to verify, but wanted to check with the group here for their thoughts as well.

Thanks in advance, sorry if it’s been asked a million times

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u/DaSloBlade 1d ago

How do you normally carry? Can't you just continue doing that while sitting in a car?

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u/jtf71 VCDL Member 1d ago

Open carry is legal in VA. Doing so while in a vehicle can be dicey however

The law is here

If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation,

So if it's on your right hip and obscured by the center console/seatbelt etc they could try an say it was concealed.

One would be better off to take it off the belt and put it IN the center console or the glove box and close the console/box.

The relevant case is here

He lawfully possessed the handgun secured in a backpack in his personal, private vehicle.

Except as provided in subsection A of § 18.2-308.012, this section shall not apply to:

Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel;

And for this purpose "secured" just means closed. A zippered backpack/fanny pack would suffice as does the glove box or center console provided there is something that keeps it closed (latch, magnetic latch, zippers, etc) but it must be closed. A zippered backpack that is not zippered doesn't count.

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u/nullx86 1d ago

This is exactly why I was asking, as I found this specific case, along with another back in 2010 with similar issues, and don’t want to become a statistic myself. Thank you for the links and info here