Concealed carry inside a car

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a__l__a__n

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I'm going to be traveling in NC on my Georgia Weapons License and need clarification on the NC law. From what I read in the news, it sounds like a lot has changed recently in NC regarding firearms laws. I've read the statutes I've found online (hopefully current??) and I'm left confused on a few points. I'm hoping some folks here can clear up a few questions I have.

It sounds like there are some peculiar laws related to carrying a firearm inside a car in NC. I have reciprocity with my Georgia Weapons License (I'm on my third 5-year GWL). If I'm reading the NC law correctly, I think I'm not allowed to have a concealed weapon on my person inside a car, despite my licensed status. Instead I read that the gun must be in a locked container inside the car or in the trunk. Is that correct? How do people in NC with concealed carry licenses handle the situation with driving the car?

I also read that concealed carry is permitted in rest areas. So, does a person go to his trunk, get his firearm and holster it concealed before going into the bathroom? And then does he go to his trunk afterward and lock up the gun before resuming his trip? Surely not!

OTOH it seems there is the option in NC to have the firearm open-carried inside the car, as long as it is visible from outside the car. What constitutes "visible"?

My last concern is for my wife who is traveling with me. She does not have a GWL. If I have a gun locked in the trunk, and for some reason she drives the car without me also in the car, is she in violation of the law? If my wife has to drive me to the hospital with the gun locked in the trunk, can she drive the car home after I'm admitted?

I know I'm over-thinking this. But I thought it would be helpful to hear how others who are licensed for concealed carry handle situations like this.

I appreciate any guidance or insights about this. Thanks!
 
You’re overthinking it. I’d love to see links where you obtained this information, it’s mostly incorrect.

Not sure that I’m current, so will wait for someone else to respond to your questions,
 
GymB said:
You’re overthinking it. I’d love to see links where you obtained this information, it’s mostly incorrect.

Not sure that I’m current, so will wait for someone else to respond to your questions,
Click to expand...

Specifically, paragraph (a2)

Editing to add this explanation, which appears to answer my question. Is this the general understanding of NC license holders?

kinglawoffices.com

Can You Keep a Gun in Your Car in North Carolina? - King Law

Many people keep firearms in their car, whether it is under the seat in the glove box or on their person. However, the State of North Carolina prohibits a person from concealing a handgun in his or her vehicle unless he or she has a conceal carry permit. What does it mean to have it concealed...
kinglawoffices.com kinglawoffices.com
 
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If you have a CCW permit from any other State you are fine to carry concealed in NC. NC honors all other permits, And yeah where did you get this, err "information"?
 
Thanks for the replies.

I posted two links.
1) North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14. Criminal Law § 14-269. Carrying concealed weapons.
I referenced paragraph (a2):

(a2) This prohibition does not apply to a person who has a concealed handgun permit issued in accordance with Article 54B of this Chapter, has a concealed handgun permit considered valid under G.S. 14-415.24, or is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to G.S. 14-415.25, provided the weapon is a handgun, is in a closed compartment or container within the person's locked vehicle, and the vehicle is in a parking area that is owned or leased by State government.  A person may unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle, provided the handgun remains in the closed compartment at all times and the vehicle is locked immediately following the entrance or exit.

2) An article at King Law titled "Can You Keep a Gun in Your Car in North Carolina?"
Pertinent portion:

If you do possess a valid license to conceal carry you can keep your firearm under the seat or in an unlocked glove box. However, keep in mind that just because you may be able to keep a firearm like that, someone who drives your vehicle without may not be able to. Just because you can keep an easily accessible firearm in your vehicle does not automatically extend that right to anyone who drives your vehicle. Should you keep your firearm under your seat, and someone borrows your car and gets pulled over it is illegal for that same firearm to be under the seat unless the borrower has a concealed carry permit.

Maybe the links will be approved shortly.
Meanwhile I suspect that the intent of the law is as the above commentors stated. But IMO the law itself is confusing.

And I suspect my wife driving alone with a gun in the locked trunk is probably ok. Any thoughts on that? (We actually encountered that situation a couple of years ago when I broke my leg on a hike in Georgia. We elected for her not to take me to the hospital in part because of the gun issue, but also because we expected the emergency room to be full of covid cases.)
 
@a__l__a__n

Law 1 you need to know: NC GS 14-51.3
Download PDF, Law 2 you need to know: NC GS 14-51.2

The key points, 14-51.3 is: if you are legally allowed to be at the location of an attack, you can stand your ground and not be civilly or criminally charged if you use force in self defense.

The key points to NCGS 14-51.2 is: the definition of legal places you can be at.
 
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You are reading/interpreting the laws for people without CHP.

You are good to go to carry concealed or open in your car with your GA permit.

Technically you shouldn’t leave your wife alone in the car with the firearm in the unlocked glove box.

I find this website the best to understand how to travel with a firearm and CHP

Handgunlaw.us

The Internets Premier database for Concealed Carry Handgun and Firearms Law.
handgunlaw.us
 
One clarification should probably be made for the OP and any others following the guidance here.

I’m not familiar with a Georgia Weapons License, but reference has been made to “weapons" and “firearms” in the original post, which could be handguns or long guns, (at least here in NC).

In NC, a Concealed Handgun Permit (which is the only concealed carry permit in the statutes) only applies to handguns, not long guns.

Most of you probably knew and assumed this, but it just sort of stuck out to me in the original post.
 
Have your wife obtain her GWL if she is OK with that. Safe travels.
 
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As others have stated, concealed carry by a permit holder is completely legal inside a vehicle in NC.

One thing that is somewhat unique in NC is that there is a “duty to inform” law enforcement that you are carrying in the event of an interaction with them (such as a traffic stop).

The manner in which you inform them can have a tremendous impact upon how cordial your interaction is. I have found that the statement “Officer / Deputy / Trooper: Under NC State Law I have a duty to inform you that I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and that I am carrying on on my person at this time”.

They will usually ask what I am carrying and where it is located, and then ask me to keep it holstered and they will do the same.
 
NC is also an open carry state.

As long as your wife is not a prohibited possessor she can open carry without a permit. Just don't leave her unattended with a concealed weapon in the vehicle.
 
P01135809 said:
You are reading/interpreting the laws for people without CHP.

You are good to go to carry concealed or open in your car with your GA permit.

Technically you shouldn’t leave your wife alone in the car with the firearm in the unlocked glove box.

I find this website the best to understand how to travel with a firearm and CHP

Handgunlaw.us

The Internets Premier database for Concealed Carry Handgun and Firearms Law.
handgunlaw.us
Click to expand...
This here, you’re reading things that don’t apply IF you have a concealed handgun permit. It’s written that it lays out the laws then exempts if you have the permit. If you don’t have a permit that’s getting into how you travel with a handgun. If you’re working with long guns they cannot be BOTH concealed and accessible.
 
JBoyette said:
@a__l__a__n

Law 1 you need to know: NC GS 14-51.3
Download PDF, Law 2 you need to know: NC GS 14-51.2

The key points, 14-51.3 is: if you are legally allowed to be at the location of an attack, you can stand your ground and not be civilly or criminally charged if you use force in self defense.

The key points to NCGS 14-51.2 is: the definition of legal places you can be at.
Click to expand...
Thanks J!
 
Mathieu18 said:
This here, you’re reading things that don’t apply IF you have a concealed handgun permit. It’s written that it lays out the laws then exempts if you have the permit. If you don’t have a permit that’s getting into how you travel with a handgun. If you’re working with long guns they cannot be BOTH concealed and accessible.
Click to expand...
Got it. Thanks M!
 
With a permit you can conceal in your car. You have to inform if contacted for official police business. You can park in state lots for properties you can't carry on so long as your firearm remains locked in your car or in a locked container, it's worded stupid. If your wife takes your car without you and your firearm is in it it needs to be very visible or beyond "lunge" generally trunk or rearmost cargo area. Or she could not volunteer any information and decline requests to search, 4th and 5th. Long guns, large knives, and other weapons are not covered by your permit/license.
 
Beef15 said:
With a permit you can conceal in your car. You have to inform if contacted for official police business. You can park in state lots for properties you can't carry on so long as your firearm remains locked in your car or in a locked container, it's worded stupid. If your wife takes your car without you and your firearm is in it it needs to be very visible or beyond "lunge" generally trunk or rearmost cargo area. Or she could not volunteer any information and decline requests to search, 4th and 5th. Long guns, large knives, and other weapons are not covered by your permit/license.
Click to expand...
Thanks B!
 
Take some time to read the whole statute, pay attention to the sections and subsections and how they relate. You’ll start to see how it’s generally written to exclude conceal carry then exceptions are granted. Makes it slightly confusing to read if you just look at sections vs the whole document.

That said I do see what you mean there, but don’t believe that’s the intent etc.
 
P01135809 said:
You are reading/interpreting the laws for people without CHP.

You are good to go to carry concealed or open in your car with your GA permit.

Technically you shouldn’t leave your wife alone in the car with the firearm in the unlocked glove box.

I find this website the best to understand how to travel with a firearm and CHP

Handgunlaw.us

The Internets Premier database for Concealed Carry Handgun and Firearms Law.
handgunlaw.us
Click to expand...

Neat site:

Why have this site​

This site is owned by Steve Aikens and Gary Slider. We firmly believe in the Second Amendment, Concealed Carry and the fact that we have both a right and responsibility to take a pro-active position in our personal defense. Unfortunately, we recognize there are so many variances in our state to state laws, the average individual may have difficulty keeping up with those laws well enough to prevent them from breaking the law, especially as they travel. Since we have the ability to research those laws and create an informative Concealed Carry specific site, we have done so.
 
73Chall said:
Neat site:

Why have this site​

This site is owned by Steve Aikens and Gary Slider. We firmly believe in the Second Amendment, Concealed Carry and the fact that we have both a right and responsibility to take a pro-active position in our personal defense. Unfortunately, we recognize there are so many variances in our state to state laws, the average individual may have difficulty keeping up with those laws well enough to prevent them from breaking the law, especially as they travel. Since we have the ability to research those laws and create an informative Concealed Carry specific site, we have done so.
Click to expand...

Yes it is. It’s been years but I went back and forth with Gary when NC laws were changing trying to keep him up to speed. He was pretty active on defensive carry. Seemed very interested in getting things right and keeping them up to date.
 
Scsmith42 said:
As others have stated, concealed carry by a permit holder is completely legal inside a vehicle in NC.

One thing that is somewhat unique in NC is that there is a “duty to inform” law enforcement that you are carrying in the event of an interaction with them (such as a traffic stop).

The manner in which you inform them can have a tremendous impact upon how cordial your interaction is. I have found that the statement “Officer / Deputy / Trooper: Under NC State Law I have a duty to inform you that I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and that I am carrying on on my person at this time”.

They will usually ask what I am carrying and where it is located, and then ask me to keep it holstered and they will do the same.
Click to expand...

When pulled over, What if 1) you aren’t carrying, or 2) it’s not on your person, but in the glove compartment or lockbox? Since the policeman will know you have a carry license once he runs the drivers license, is it best to say “I have a carry license but am not carrying on my person?”
 
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Cachecropp said:
When pulled over, What if 1) you aren’t carrying, or 2) it’s not on your person, but in the glove compartment or lockbox? Since the policeman will know you have a carry license once he runs the drivers license, is it best to say “I have a carry license but am not carrying on my person?”
Click to expand...
When I have been pulled over, I retrieve both ID and Permit and hand them to the Officer and keep my mouth shut.

They will ask questions, and I answer them honestly.

Example:
1. Sir where is the pistol located?
a. I left it at home
b. In the XYX
c. On my left hip
d. etc

John
 
Cachecropp said:
When pulled over, What if 1) you aren’t carrying, or 2) it’s not on your person, but in the glove compartment or lockbox? Since the policeman will know you have a carry license once he runs the drivers license, is it best to say “I have a carry license but am not carrying on my person?”
Click to expand...

Err toward caution when deciding if you need to announce, but use a prepared statement. Make it brief, with no trigger words and hands in the open. Mine is “I have a permit to carry and I am carrying”.

The cop will ask for details if he want any.
 
Cachecropp said:
When pulled over, What if 1) you aren’t carrying, or 2) it’s not on your person, but in the glove compartment or lockbox? Since the policeman will know you have a carry license once he runs the drivers license, is it best to say “I have a carry license but am not carrying on my person?”
Click to expand...
I can't think of a time in the last 20 years when I wasn't carrying.
 
Scsmith42 said:
I can't think of a time in the last 20 years when I wasn't carrying.
Click to expand...
Yep. They ask where my gun is ima be like “which one?”
 
Beef15 said:
With a permit you can conceal in your car. You have to inform if contacted for official police business. You can park in state lots for properties you can't carry on so long as your firearm remains locked in your car or in a locked container, it's worded stupid. If your wife takes your car without you and your firearm is in it it needs to be very visible or beyond "lunge" generally trunk or rearmost cargo area. Or she could not volunteer any information and decline requests to search, 4th and 5th. Long guns, large knives, and other weapons are not covered by your permit/license.
Click to expand...
It's always amazing to me that so many people seem to always forget that this is an option. Why would you ever volunteer any information at all?

I'm not ever looking for trouble and I'm not going to be confrontational, but I'm also not going out of my way to make it any easier for anyone to infringe on my most fundamental of rights.
 
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Police officers seem to have a wide variety of responses to the required "I'm carrying and I have a CHP"

The first time this happened to me, I proudly did my pronouncement, and got a "That's nice. Just don't shoot me with it" answer .

Most times they seem only to be whelmed.
 
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This duty to inform nonsense is just plain stupid and only serves to potentially escalate an encounter nobody wants. A criminals and those who desire to harm or kill the cop aren’t going to comply and there’s no purpose in it for everyone else whose not a threat.

Its also an expression of the insulting idea that the State sits in lordship over the people, something that needs to rejected and then the reeducation commences.
 
Carlos Danger said:
It's always amazing to me that so many people seem to always forget that this is an option. Why would you ever volunteer any information at all?

I'm not ever looking for trouble and I'm not going to be confrontational, but I'm also not going out of my way to make it any easier for anyone to infringe on my most fundamental of rights.
Click to expand...

Do not forget if you have a permit in NC you wave that right,.
 
Cachecropp said:
When pulled over, What if 1) you aren’t carrying, or 2) it’s not on your person, but in the glove compartment or lockbox? Since the policeman will know you have a carry license once he runs the drivers license, is it best to say “I have a carry license but am not carrying on my person?”
Click to expand...

Don't over think it. If you aren't carrying, you aren't carrying. End of story. If the officer asks, then answer truthfully: "I'm not currently carrying, officer."

If it's in the glove box and that doesn't constitute carrying, then it's in the glove box. If you don't have to enter your glove box, end of story. If your insurance/registration is in there and you need to produce it for the officer, then inform the officer before making any moves. If the officer asks, then answer truthfully. Easy-peasy.
 
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I was pulled over once and advised that there was a concealed handgun in the vehicle. The officer was adamant that my permit only permitted me to carry concealed on my person and not anywhere else, not in the unlocked console, etc.

I still think he was wrong, but have not looked into it any more. If true its just nitpicking, as he didn't cause me any grief over it.
 
As pointed out by @JBoyette, there are several states which have a duty to inform that comes along with having a permit to carry. Exactly what conditions are required which invoke the duty to inform vary a bit between the states that have this.

I'm a SC resident with a SC permit and I routinely travel between SC and VA, so I have to be familiar with three states.

SC: (Must inform immediately) I have to have the permit on me when I carry. When I'm carrying, I must inform the LEO of the fact that I'm a permit holder and present that permit to the LEO whenever the LEO identifies himself as a LEO AND requests identification or a driver's license.

NC: (Must inform immediately) I have to have the permit WITH valid identification whenever carrying. When carrying, I must inform the LEO that I have a valid permit and that I'm carrying when approached or addressed by the officer AND I must present both the permit and the identification upon request by the LEO.

VA: (Not a must inform immediately) I have to have the permit on my person whenever carrying and display upon demand both the permit AND a photo ID issues by a government agency. This is written to encompass IDs by the Commonwealth of Virginia or by U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. state Department (passport). However, Virginia has reciprocity with SC, so my SC driver's license would apply.


NOTE THE DIFFERENCES. In SC I must inform the LEO, but the requirement is AFTER the LEO identifies himself AND asks for identification or a driver's license. In NC, I must inform WHEN APPROACHED OR ADDRESSED. In VA, I only inform upon demand by LEO (the LEO has to ask for it).

Some states are more explicit than others. SC, for example, is more explicit than NC, where NC leaves it open to interpretation on what "when approached or addressed" means. Technically, this could include the officer standing in line with you at Wawa, who asks how you're doing while waiting to pay for his turkey sammich he just picked up. Probably not meant that way when the statute was written, but that's what we have to live with.
 
Flashpoint said:
I was pulled over once and advised that there was a concealed handgun in the vehicle. The officer was adamant that my permit only permitted me to carry concealed on my person and not anywhere else, not in the unlocked console, etc.

I still think he was wrong, but have not looked into it any more. If true its just nitpicking, as he didn't cause me any grief over it.
Click to expand...

NC has provided clarification on exactly this. It has to do with two factors in a vehicle: accessability and concealment.

Check out pages 22 and 23 here:

 
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