Transporting weapons in vehicles in CA

Bobalos

Bobalos

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Does anyone know for certain what the laws are about transporting weapons in vehicles in CA?

Are they different for long guns and handguns?

 
Well this was easier thank I expected & not much different than I remembered.





 



HANDGUNS


Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container. Furthermore, the handgun must be carried directly to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and, while being carried must be contained within a locked container.

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16850, the term "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment.


SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES


Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported.

Usually, non-concealable firearms do not have to be in a locked container. Federal law, however, requires them to be in a locked container or gun rack when in a school zone. School zones are anywhere within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a K-12 school

This federal law only applies to firearms that “has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce.”5

For other rifles and shotguns, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act does not require they be in a locked container while brought through a school zone.


REGISTERED ASSAULT WEAPONS


California Penal Code section 30945, subdivision (g) provides that registered assault weapons may be transported only between specified locations and must be unloaded and stored in a locked container when transported.

Locked Container

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16850, the term "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment.

A “locked container” is something that is fully enclosed to prevent access. It has to be locked with a:

  • padlock,
  • keylock,
  • combination lock, or
  • other locking device.8

The following areas of a car are not locking containers under California’s firearm laws:

  • Utility compartment, or
  • Glove compartment.

To be legal, the firearm cannot be pried out of the container while it is locked. Locking a gun case with a cable or trigger locks may not prevent this from happening.

The container does not need to be a hard shell case. Gun bags or range bags suffice, as long as they are locked.



 
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from the San Diego County Gun Owners organization.

Handguns – Transportation of handguns is addressed in California penal code 25610. Handguns must be transported in an unloaded condition. The unloaded handgun must then be placed in a locked container. If you have a vehicle with a trunk, the trunk is considered a locked container. A console or glove box is not considered a locked container. “Container” is not defined so a canvas range bag will work as well as a hard case. What’s important is that the container can be locked shut with either a key or combination lock. I drive an F-150 so I don’t have a trunk. I transport my handguns unloaded and locked and in a locked heavy canvas range bag that sits on the floor of the back seat.

Long Guns – Long guns are not under the same restrictions as handguns. Long guns must be transported in an unloaded condition but do not need to be locked. Long guns should be transported in a case and the trunk is a better location than the back seat.

Assault Weapons (also known as evil assault rifles, killing machines or in Free America, modern sporting rifles) – California has taken what normal Americans would call a modern sporting rifle and through a bizarre combination of characteristics created the definition of an assault weapon. Assault weapons are subject to a number of special restrictions but concerning transportation, the same rules as those for handguns apply. Assault weapons must be transported unloaded and in a locked container.

It’s worth noting that not all law enforcement officers (LEOs) have an accurate understanding of the law when it comes to firearms. There are numerous laws, they are not always logical, and they change often. When transporting firearms it’s better to err on the side of caution and be overly conservative. This is especially true when transporting a modern sporting rifle which may or may not meet the definition of an assault weapon. Be absolutely sure about your rifle, the LEO may not be! Some gun owners choose to carry copies of DOJ documents explaining the rules and definitions. As with any interaction with LEOs be polite, be respectful, and provide only the information required.

 
Does your RV still count as an extension of your 'home' so carrying in an RV is 'different' than in your car?

 
IMHO, an RV, while driven, is a motor vehicle....when parked, not so much.

You don't need a warrant to search a car, but you do need Probable Cause.

 
I know, I know..... constitution, rights, probable cause... 

Sometimes, though, you just don't want to deal with the BS that comes with cops that don't know the laws or presume that ordinary citizens don't know them either. 

I'd rather be upfront and above board, should I happen to get pulled over or maybe have a flat and an officer pulls up to check on me.  

 
I met a guy in Glamis this season and he had moved from AZ to CA.  I don't know the details but he told me he now has 14 Fedral fellony weapons charges, cannot ever own a gun or vote.  He's in his early 30s.

 
Bobalos said:
I know, I know..... constitution, rights, probable cause... 

Sometimes, though, you just don't want to deal with the BS that comes with cops that don't know the laws or presume that ordinary citizens don't know them either. 

I'd rather be upfront and above board, should I happen to get pulled over or maybe have a flat and an officer pulls up to check on me.  
Click to expand...
Since your average cop or CHP doesn't know the laws, just keep everything unloaded and locked in a trunk or packed away in the bed of the truck.  Out of sight ideally.  No sense worrying about "this mag, this box of ammo, this trigger lock, etc....".  Laws in this state change every 12 months.  I gave up keeping track a long time ago.

 
L.R.S. said:
I met a guy in Glamis this season and he had moved from AZ to CA.  I don't know the details but he told me he now has 14 Fedral fellony weapons charges, cannot ever own a gun or vote.  He's in his early 30s.
Click to expand...
Usually happens when you get raided for drugs or stolen property.  They'll ding you on each item.  Fed stuff would be unregistered (registered meaning you pay the government to F-Off with a Tax Stamp and more paperwork) silencers & SBR's.  Maybe full auto.  I knew a wannabe biker guy that had a similar situation.

 
@Bansh88, this is my frustration with these laws.  They are not too much different than they were 15 years ago when i looked last.

I'm not sure what I would have to own to fit a 5 foot long 2 foot wide Pelican case in the trunk....  maybe a 73 Eldorado???  LOL 

 
L.R.S. said:
I met a guy in Glamis this season and he had moved from AZ to CA.  I don't know the details but he told me he now has 14 Fedral fellony weapons charges, cannot ever own a gun or vote.  He's in his early 30s.
Click to expand...
Charges don't mean chit.  IF he were convicted of any of them he'd be in jail, not G.  IF he served his time, he can petition to get his rights restored.

 
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I put this in my truck, solves this problem
71tQTw9ivYL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


 
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