a__l__a__n
New Member
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!
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!