CO CCW in CA?

[whitbaby]

I'm going to be driving in the SW for a few days. I have a CO CCW.
All of the states I expect to be traveling through have reciprocity with CO EXCEPT CA.

How would I best handle this situation?

TIA

[TFOGGER]

Federal safe transport laws.While in CA, gun should be unloaded, locked in a separate compartment (trunk) not accessible to passengers in the vehicle. Any ammo should be stored separately. Then don't do anything to precipitate a search of the vehicle. Or, avoid Kalifornia altogether.

[Great-Kazoo]

I have revolver in glove compartment, ammo in center console. 18 years of driving in CA on & off when pulled over and asked if i have any guns / firearms i say No Sir i do not. That's good an answer for them.
Like tfogger said, follow state transportation laws.

[a98kdoc]

No
Cal does not recognize other CCW's and sometimes does not a California CCW.
Just say no if asked but guns must be locked in the trunk and not in the glove box or center console.
If you can defend you self you are cracking the law. Drive steady and you wont have a problem. I am an escapee of the Glorious Peoples Republic So it can be survived.

[SideShow Bob]

Also either take a vehicle or rent one that does not have CO. Plates to help reduce the made up reasons to pull you over.

[whitbaby]

Thanks guys. I was expecting some harassment due to co plates as pretense of 'probable cause' for pot. I'll just drive like a granny.

[brutal]

Federal safe transport laws.While in CA, gun should be unloaded, locked in a separate compartment (trunk) not accessible to passengers in the vehicle. Any ammo should be stored separately. Then don't do anything to precipitate a search of the vehicle. Or, avoid Kalifornia altogether.

How does that work with a pickup?

[TFOGGER]

I'm not sure, actually. Federal law says it has to be "inaccessible to the occupants", so a locked case behind the seats might be ok, but I don't actually know.

FOPA, as per Wikipedia:

One of the law's provisions was that persons traveling from one place to another cannot be incarcerated for a firearms offense (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed_carry_in_the_United_States#Weapon_posses sion) in a state that has strict gun control laws if the traveler is just passing through (short stops for food and gas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline)), provided that the firearms and ammunition are not immediately accessible, that the firearms are unloaded and, in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearms are located in a locked container.[11] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm_Owners_Protection_Act#cite_note-11)


18 USC 926:

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

[68Charger]

Thanks guys. I was expecting some harassment due to co plates as pretense of 'probable cause' for pot. I'll just drive like a granny.

in California, that will make you stand out- just blend in

"hey check out the slow guy... hmm, Colorado Plates- wonder if he's baked"

[Great-Kazoo]

How does that work with a pickup?

It's why we have the gun in the glove box, with box locked. Even though it's not allowed. We have to remove key from ignition (pulling over turn truck off) To me that's fairly Inaccessible.
You could have it in a gun case, locked under the seat. Unfortunately having a secure place in a truck may be difficult. Unless you keep it in the tool box, which is inaccessible AND locked. It's how we carry the long guns.
For the most part CHP is interested in generating revenue. You interact in a polite manner, don't act like OH NO i Have a gun. they either write you a ticket or let you off with a warning.

[Madeinhb]

Thanks guys. I was expecting some harassment due to co plates as pretense of 'probable cause' for pot. I'll just drive like a granny.

Don't drive like a granny. Get in the #2 lane and drive with the flow. As long as you don't weave in and out of traffic- won't look suspicious.

[David_J]

Please DO NOT put your gun in the glove box while in CA. That is illegal and not worth the risk. Last thing you need is to stay in CA longer than you planned because you are in jail. If you do not have a trunk, simply buy a small gun case that can accommodate a lock. Lock your unloaded gun in the box. You can leave the magazine with ammo in the same locked box. Just make sure you don't have a round chambered in the gun. The locked box can be in the passenger compartment with you. Even if you have a trunk, you can transport the gun in the locked box in the passenger compartment of your car. There is a misconception that in CA the ammo should not be in the same box with the gun. Do not put the locked box in your glove box. That may create a problem. Do not store your gun in a utility compartment such as the center console. Do not bolt your lock box to the floor of your car or truck. If you bolt the box down, as in to prevent someone from breaking your window and taking the box, you can be busted for storing the gun in a utility compartment. Bolting the box to the vehicle can be construed as the box now being part of the vehicle and a utility compartment. If you want to secure the container, use one that has a cable you can feed through the seat rail of your car. If you do put your gun in the trunk, make sure the gun is locked in a box or gun case while in the trunk.

I'm one of the few with a California concealed carry permit. I've read the CA penal code several times to try to make sure I know what to do and not to do.

And BTW, enjoy your trip. It's not too bad in CA if you're just spending a few days :)

[Double00]

Went a couple of months ago. Didn't see a single CHP from state line to Riverside. Driving a prius with CO. plates. Gun locked in case in back. Check mag capacity limits just in case. I think 15 is a no go.

[DireWolf]

I'm not sure, actually. Federal law says it has to be "inaccessible to the occupants", so a locked case behind the seats might be ok, but I don't actually know.

FOPA, as per Wikipedia:

One of the law's provisions was that persons traveling from one place to another cannot be incarcerated for a firearms offense (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed_carry_in_the_United_States#Weapon_posses sion) in a state that has strict gun control laws if the traveler is just passing through (short stops for food and gas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline)), provided that the firearms and ammunition are not immediately accessible, that the firearms are unloaded and, in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearms are located in a locked container.[11] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm_Owners_Protection_Act#cite_note-11)


18 USC 926:

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
I was under the impression that NJ, at least, has basically said "fuck that", and does whatever the hell they want to do.....

Not sure if that problem would be likely in CA, but probably worth thinking about, all things considered...(btw, I was there and very close to the earthquake last week, and at 3am and 30 floors up, couldn't help thinking for a moment of the irony of it and prior thoughts of beach-front property in NV [emoji38] )

[Artema]

Just be aware California has a two lock rule. Glove box isn't lawfully a lock, but trunk is. If you have no trunk, still need two locks. Trigger lock and locked soft case, for instance.

[Great-Kazoo]

Please DO NOT put your gun in the glove box while in CA. That is illegal and not worth the risk. Last thing you need is to stay in CA longer than you planned because you are in jail. If you do not have a trunk, simply buy a small toolbox or gun case that can accommodate a lock. Lock your unloaded gun and ammo in the box. Leave the magazine out of the gun. The locked box can be in the passenger compartment with you. Even if you have a trunk, you can transport the gun in the locked box in the passenger compartment of your car or truck. It is a common misconception that in CA the ammo has to be in a separate box. Also, do not put the locked box in your glove box. That may create a problem. Do not store your gun in a utility compartment such as the center console. Do not bolt your lock box to the floor of your car or truck. If you bolt the box down, as in to prevent someone from breaking your window and taking the box, you can be busted for storing the gun in a utility compartment. Bolting the box to the vehicle can be construed as the box now being part of the vehicle and a utility compartment.

I'm one of the few with a California concealed carry permit. I've read the CA penal code several times to make sure I know what to do and not to do.

And BTW, enjoy your trip. It's not too bad in CA if you're just spending a few days :)

Which county ?

[David_J]

Which county ?

Orange


Just be aware California has a two lock rule. Glove box isn't lawfully a lock, but trunk is. If you have no trunk, still need two locks. Trigger lock and locked soft case, for instance.

I've read he penal code a few times, and have not seen this. What is the source? CA gun law is very confusing and leads to a lot of confusion. I believe this in inaccurate.

Trigger lock does not count for anything for transportation purposes. Only has to be in a fully enclosed locked container, hard or soft. I use a $1 store combo lock on mine that I probably could pry off with a ballpoint pen. There are no specifications for the quality of the lock or the durability of the container. But I would not go as far as wrapping a twisting tie around a paper bag. [Abused]

[Artema]

I've read he penal code a few times, and have not seen this. What is the source? CA gun law is very confusing and leads to a lot of confusion. I believe this in inaccurate.

Trigger lock does not count for anything for transportation purposes. Only as to be in a fully enclosed locked container, hard or soft. I use a $1 store combo lock on mine that I probably could pry off with a ballpoint pen. There are no specifications for the quality of the lock or the durability of the container. But I would not go as far as wrapping a twisting tie around a paper bag. [Abused]

I could very well be confusing the transport on military base rule with the California rule. I honestly only took some of my guns off base when I moved because of the awesome Rod & Gun Club inside the gates. $40 a year and any daylight hours... I miss it.

[David_J]

Went a couple of months ago. Didn't see a single CHP from state line to Riverside. Driving a prius with CO. plates. Gun locked in case in back. Check mag capacity limits just in case. I think 15 is a no go.

There is a considerable amount of LIDAR (laser) now used by the CHP. As far as radar CHP only uses Ka band. Some are pretty good at hiding. Everyone speeds here. 80 MPH in a 65 is the cutoff a lot of CHP officers use to pull you over. So many people drive over 80 that I think the CHP goes after the bigger fish to generate more money as there is an abundant supply of vehicles going over 80 if it's not rush hour. Download WAZE app to your phone to help locate CHP along the way. (It's a wonderful free GPS navigation utility.) Lots of Waze users in CA marking police so about 80% of the time you'll see the CHP marked on Waze before you are in his kill zone. At 80MPH a ticket will cost you over $400. Good radar detector comes in handy. But LIDAR will get you if you don't have a laser jammer. (You can not slow down in time to react to laser to avoid a ticket.) If the laser warning goes off on your radar detector, either you will get a ticket or he will let you slip by because you were under his minimum speed for pulling over cars. BTW, laser jammers are illegal in CA, but the first infraction is only a $25 fix it ticket.

Hi cap mags (over 10 rounds) can't be legally imported into CA, but the law is so poorly written it's very difficult for anyone that keeps their mouth shut to be prosecuted for it. If you want to be 100% safe, stick to 10 round mags if crossing the border into CA. One key thing to remember, is to never, ever, under any circumstances, talk to police before you talk to a gun attorney if you are arrested on a gun charge in CA. This is probably good advice in most other states too...

[BlasterBob]

One key thing to remember, is to never, ever, under any circumstances, talk to police before you talk to a gun attorney if you are arrested on a gun charge in CA. This is probably good advice in most other states too...

I have often wondered how a person who is arrested would even find an Attorney specializing in firearms matters especially if the arrest was made in a State other than his home State. How would an arrested person accomplish this if he is locked up in the clink?

[smchop]

I do it all the time, family out there, I just stop at the first rest area and put it in a soft padded case and lock the two zippers together and put the ammo in another bag. I drive as I wish and don't worry about it, probably why I haven't been pulled over. No matter how you do it it sucks because your trying to be lawful and just been disarmed.

[David_J]

I have often wondered how a person who is arrested would even find an Attorney specializing in firearms matters especially if the arrest was made in a State other than his home State. How would an arrested person accomplish this if he is locked up in the clink?

Simple! The Boy Scout motto: be prepared. Anyone who carries a concealed weapon should have a card for a gun attorney in their purse or wallet. If you are ever in a shooting or arrested, the last thing you want to worry about is finding an attorney at the last minute. Heck, even if you don't have a concealed carry permit, but transport firearms, you should carry a card. One probably will never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

[Great-Kazoo]

I do it all the time, family out there, I just stop at the first rest area and put it in a soft padded case and lock the two zippers together and put the ammo in another bag. I drive as I wish and don't worry about it, probably why I haven't been pulled over. No matter how you do it it sucks because your trying to be lawful and just been disarmed.

I mentioned this in an earlier reply. IF you don't look like you're doing something wrong / questionable. Are polite to the ticketing officer, they are all about the revenue. I geuss it depends on your comfort level.



Simple! The Boy Scout motto: be prepared. Anyone who carries a concealed weapon should have a card for a gun attorney in their purse or wallet. If you are ever in a shooting or arrested, the last thing you want to worry about is finding an attorney at the last minute. Heck, even if you don't have a concealed carry permit, but transport firearms, you should carry a card. One probably will never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

Absolutely. This link for for one of the best, IMO, CA firearm sites.
http://www.calguns.net/

Some great and friendly people there, we've met over the years. You want a lawyer on the hook in CA, they can help.

Same for other states where they may be a question.

[Rumline]

I unfortunately still live in California and am intimately familiar with their gun laws. Or rather, I know the places to go to get straight answers regarding said laws. Kazoo recommended Calguns.net which is pretty much all you need to know. But to be more specific, please refer to the Calguns Foundation Wiki, which consolidates answers to the most common questions. To the topic at hand: http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

For other questions about applicability of California gun laws, see the "How CA Laws Apply to/Affect Me" subforum on Calguns.net: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/forumdisplay.php?f=349


Just be aware California has a two lock rule. Glove box isn't lawfully a lock, but trunk is. If you have no trunk, still need two locks. Trigger lock and locked soft case, for instance.
False; there is no "two lock rule." Also, guns must (generally) be transported in a locked case, a requirement that trigger locks do nothing to satisfy.


Went a couple of months ago. Didn't see a single CHP from state line to Riverside. Driving a prius with CO. plates. Gun locked in case in back. Check mag capacity limits just in case. I think 15 is a no go.
Yep, don't bring >10 rounders in, you are technically "importing a high capacity magazine." In years past you could simply disassemble the "high cap" magazine and re-assemble it when you left, but now the bonehead politicans passed a law against importing/selling/manufacturing/etc "high capacity magazine parts kits."


Please DO NOT put your gun in the glove box while in CA. That is illegal and not worth the risk. Last thing you need is to stay in CA longer than you planned because you are in jail. If you do not have a trunk, simply buy a small gun case that can accommodate a lock. Lock your unloaded gun in the box. You can leave the magazine with ammo in the same locked box. Just make sure you don't have a round chambered in the gun. The locked box can be in the passenger compartment with you. Even if you have a trunk, you can transport the gun in the locked box in the passenger compartment of your car. There is a misconception that in CA the ammo should not be in the same box with the gun. Do not put the locked box in your glove box. That may create a problem. Do not store your gun in a utility compartment such as the center console. Do not bolt your lock box to the floor of your car or truck. If you bolt the box down, as in to prevent someone from breaking your window and taking the box, you can be busted for storing the gun in a utility compartment. Bolting the box to the vehicle can be construed as the box now being part of the vehicle and a utility compartment. If you want to secure the container, use one that has a cable you can feed through the seat rail of your car. If you do put your gun in the trunk, make sure the gun is locked in a box or gun case while in the trunk.

This gentleman is spot-on.

I assume the OP would be traveling with handguns only but just in case, the other big way that out-of-staters get into trouble in California is with our Assault Weapons Ban. Several makes/models of semi-auto rifles are specifically listed in the penal code as being Assault Weapons and cannot be possessed in the state without an Assault Weapons Permit (which is now impossible to get). Other "off list lowers" are legal if you put a bullet button on them and have 10 round mags. To navigate the byzantine laws, refer only to this Assault Weapons Flowchart http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf which also contains the lists of banned-by-name guns.

Edit: Sorry for the necropost, I got excited about a thread that I can contribute to and didn't notice the date.

[crays]

To navigate the byzantine laws, refer only to this Assault Weapons Flowchart http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf which also contains the lists of banned-by-name guns.

Wow...Never really researched or looked into CA's f'd up laws. I knew they were jacked, but...Wow. Thanks for the links.

[Great-Kazoo]

CA is one more reason we have a nice collection of lever actions, and revolvers ;) Thinking of relocating to north central CA. Bring some fresh anger to those old time R's.

[Rumline]

Wow...Never really researched or looked into CA's f'd up laws. I knew they were jacked, but...Wow. Thanks for the links.
Yeah...NY may have us beat but we're not far "behind". Keep fighting the good fight and never get complacent, lest the libtard expat zombies bring more gun control your way. You guys have only seen the tip of the iceberg with 2013's laws.

[Artema]

False; there is no "two lock rule." Also, guns must (generally) be transported in a locked case, a requirement that trigger locks do nothing to satisfy.


I could very well be confusing the transport on military base rule with the California rule. I honestly only took some of my guns off base when I moved because of the awesome Rod & Gun Club inside the gates. $40 a year and any daylight hours... I miss it.


A bit late as we covered it earlier, but you are right.