First of all, don't go the "hypothetical" route with any of this without FIRST reading up on it.
Read what the statutes actually say, then read through any interpretations/statements that may be made/clarified by agencies like the DA or the NC DPS.
Once you've read this, then ask yourself "what do I need to do to ensure I'm in compliance?" To wit, "is the weapon concealed (yes or no) AND readily accessible?"
NOTE: This is not a time to be a "Sea Lawyer" (as us retired Sailors say). In other words, don't play games here, because this is serious business. Is it honestly concealed or not? If you don't know, then the default answer is "concealed". Is it readily accessible or not? An unlocked glove box, within easy reach of the vehicle occupants, means "yes, it's accessible". If the glove box is locked, requiring a key to open, then the answer is "no, it's not readily accessible". Keeping the key in the lock means the glove box might just as well be unlocked.
The previous example of a lock box wired to the seat next to you WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCK means "readily accessible".
Start with this link, on page 8 ("RV/Car Carry Without a Permit/License"), and follow the links to the actual references from which this is derived.
https://handgunlaw.us/states/northcarolina.pdf
From page 22 of the NC DPS document "Firearms Laws and Permits" (link is provided in the document cited above):
(Bold for emphasis is mine)
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Given the general prohibition of carrying concealed weapons, individuals must be ever vigilant to ensure their particular situation cannot be construed as concealing a weapon, either on or about them, without being properly authorized to do so with a valid North Carolina or recognized out of-state concealed handgun permit. Therefore, the permittee’s accessibility to the weapon is of prime importance. It is unlawful to transport a weapon (absent a proper permit) that is BOTH concealed and readily accessible to a person. It is for these reasons, that when transporting a weapon in a vehicle, even greater care must be exercised to ensure that the weapon is not concealed and within the ready access to an occupant of the vehicle. North Carolina law does not specifically address how to transport a weapon in an automobile. Therefore, the central question becomes: when is the weapon concealed and readily accessible to an occupant of an automobile? Obviously, a weapon would be concealed and readily accessible, and therefore in violation of state law, if it were placed in such areas of a vehicle as under the seat of the automobile; in a bag in the back seat; or in some other manner that is covered or hidden within the easy reach of an occupant of the vehicle.
The prohibition on carrying concealed weapons applies not only to handguns and other weapons commonly thought of as being easily hidden, but also to “long guns” as well. Therefore, shotguns and rifles concealed behind the seat of pickup trucks, and elsewhere in other vehicles, could similarly violate North Carolina law.
As to those vehicles with no easily discernible trunk area (e.g., SUVs, vans, etc.), it becomes a factual determination of when the weapon is within ready and easy access to an occupant of the vehicle. If the weapon is concealed near, in close proximity to, or within the convenient control and access of an occupant, which would allow him/her to use the weapon quickly, then a fair probability exists that the occupant is in violation of the law. Therefore, care must be exercised by any occupant of any vehicle to ensure that weapons are securely locked away in as remote an area as possible, in relation to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is important to emphasize that these prohibitions apply to passengers, as well as drivers of any vehicle.
