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I've wondered how legal it is for me to have my gun visible inside my car. I keep it tucked between the seat and center console next to my seatbelt latch.



I lock it in the glove compartment when I'm not in the car (still waiting on license) but while driving around it is probably visible to someone in a tall vehicle - which I just cover the weapon with my arm when passing or being passed by a taller vehicle. Obviously I don't wave it around, and I'm mindful of other people's line-of-sight to the weapon - but there is the matter of moving it to the glove compartment, sometimes in open areas, especially on campus where I could see a whole swarm of UTA cops Rodney King'ing me because some student translates stowing the weapon in my car as a threat.

I also am very mindful of how I drive but I still worry about traffic stops, and again, the legality of having my weapon out. My SOP is to park where it is as safe from traffic as I can get for the LEO to conduct his stop, at night hit my dome lights, roll down the window, place the keys on the dash, hands on the steering wheel, back in the seat fully, and wait for the LEO to initiate contact. I know that the weapon will be seen eventually, and I'd think announcing it up front in a non-alarming manner is the way to go (spooking and/or angering LEO's makes for unpleasant stops as it is) but the litany of questions it might raise seems a good way to get myself in trouble.

In a *bad* situation the primary action is to drive away and hammer 911, but if for some reason I can't, I keep it there because I don't want to reach over to the glove compartment or dig in the center console to get my weapon; the door panel seems like a bad idea for a number of reasons. I can also disengage my seatbelt and grab the weapon in one motion. But the bottom line is: if I need it, I need it immediately.

When I get my CHL, is this grey or does it need to be completely concealed inside the car? Would it constitute an intentional failure to conceal the weapon, complete with suspension of the license and a citation?

IANAL; however, to carry it in your car it must be concealed, and that would definitely not be concealed. I would think you would be in a world of hurt if you got pulled over or reported by someone who saw it. I would definitely recommend re-thinking your approach to this one. Just my $.02.

To answer your question about would this need to be concealed once you have your CHL, you definitely need to have it concealed whether or not you have your CHL. It would ultimately be up to the LEO as to what would happen, but yes, this would definitely be a violation.

CodeJockey wrote:IANAL; however, to carry it in your car it must be concealed, and that would definitely not be concealed. I would think you would be in a world of hurt if you got pulled over or reported by someone who saw it. I would definitely recommend re-thinking your approach to this one. Just my $.02.

Not worth risking your CHL. You can possibly get a Misdemeanor and delay your CHL 5+ years... if you get caught.

That's what I'm thinking too, which is why I asked. Thank you.

Drewthetexan wrote:That's what I'm thinking too, which is why I asked. Thank you.

P.S. wouldnt' that picture be evidence against you? I don't know... :)

Uh, it was for educational and demonstrative purposes only...

They would have to prove the pic was not taken on his property for them to use it as evidence, in the least, if I understand the law. IANAL either. I have carried like this some when I was traveling, after getting a CHL, and simply threw a hand towel over it. It was concealed and easily reached without such a pain with an IWB holster. The problem you need to be aware of is when you move it. The gun must remain concealed or you risk being reported. You would have a hassle in the least if seen and reported.

shootthesheet wrote:

They would have to prove the pic was not taken on his property for them to use it as evidence, in the least, if I understand the law. IANAL either. I have carried like this some when I was traveling, after getting a CHL, and simply threw a hand towel over it. It was concealed and easily reached without such a pain with an IWB holster. The problem you need to be aware of is when you move it. The gun must remain concealed or you risk being reported. You would have a hassle in the least if seen and reported.

This is why I lean towards Open Carry, at least accidentally exposing your weapon doens't get you into a fat heap of trouble...

Put a rag or towel over it and you will be just fine.
From the picture I am not sure if you have the gun in a holster. I am a believer that a carry gun should be holstered.

Liberty wrote:Put a rag or towel over it and you will be just fine.
From the picture I am not sure if you have the gun in a holster. I am a believer that a carry gun should be holstered.

There was a story I thought I read here where a guy had his weapon under his backpack or something in the passenger seat the cops were none to happy and charged him. Sorry don't have the ambition to find the post.

the most disturbing thing in that picture is the McDonalds cup
now back to the topic..
i would definitely call that "failure to conceal "
i keep mine in the glove box, but i keep my insurance card in my sun visor ...that way, you dont have to open
the glove box and expose your firearm if you were to be stopped for a traffic violation .

Very short on time for lunch today, so yeah, choked down a Big Yack and fries..

I have not yet come up with a holster for that particular pistol for various reasons. It makes me a bit nervous too, but I do keep my other one holstered. I haven't been particularly comfortable with it there, but haven't really come up with a better solution. Guess the glove compartment is it.

I'll be glad when I can actually carry on my person...

i have actually tinkered with mounting one of those cheap Academy nylon holsters with a thumb snap under my seat.
it works pretty good. quick access , yet secure.

depending on the vehicle, you can use the metal belt clip to attach it to the frame of the seat .
works fine in my truck, but some cars dont have too much room under there.

once i get my plastic , i'll probably carry this way while driving during work.
i'm on the road a lot during the day.

usa1 wrote:i have actually tinkered with mounting one of those cheap Academy nylon holsters with a thumb snap under my seat.
it works pretty good. quick access , yet secure.

depending on the vehicle, you can use the metal belt clip to attach it to the frame of the seat .
works fine in my truck, but some cars dont have too much room under there.

once i get my plastic , i'll probably carry this way while driving during work.
i'm on the road a lot during the day.

Nice idea. One of the things I'm noticing is 1/4th the places I go to may (or may not which is annoying) have a gun ban, and I wind up having to tuck away my weapon more often then I would like to. This route would be better then throwing it in glove or console compartment, in case someone breaks into my car and makes away with a gun.

Drew,

Take a look at these links for some ideas that I think will meet your needs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1911collector/2738521741/

http://www.adjunct.diodon349.com/Attack ... olster.htm

You just need to make sure that the firearm actually sits completely underneath your sight and is not visible.