I got stopped once by a WSP trooper and he asked the same question. I answered "yes" and he said "Where?". I answered "which one?" He smiled and said "just don't touch any of them".


Most police officers, if you have a CPL, don't really give a crap if you have a loaded firearm in the vehicle (or several) they just don't want to see you handling it. Yes, one can run into the occasional dickhead but if you do, just comply with any of his instructions and when all done, proceed to his station and file a complaint. (Best to do so in a calm, sober, state, though).

As for where or how you keep your weapon when away from the car it depends more on how bad you want to keep it. If you leave it under a jacket on a seat, don't be surprised if it's not there when you get back to your car.

Even on school grounds it's legal for a CPL holder to carry ------ as long as you are dropping off or picking up a student. Just can't enter a building.

My take is that the law says that as long as you have a CPL you can have a loaded firearm (i) on your person, (ii) any where in the vehicle as long as CPL holder is in the vehicle OR (iii) LOCKED away if CPL holder is NOT in vehicle.

I've placed my pistol in several places in my car (seat holster, steering column holster, and even in a pocket holster jammed between my console and seat) always in the open. I've been stopped by officers for varying reasons and the usual response (they usually see it way before I get a chance to even say anything) "do you have a license for that... great please do not touch it". One officer did have me step out to keep me away from it. But never any further issues. Same as a previous post in this thread.

Of course I'm no lawyer. So who knows how it would have played out if an officer decided that it was illegal and off to court I go to restore my rights and get my gun back.

To me though that is the most logical interpretation of the law. Then again.. what liberal anti-gun laws ever follow logic.

Currently I don't have a CPL and drive from home to a shooting range. Is it legal to have an unloaded gun in a vehicle?

Yes.

Should the pistol be in the trunk? May I have ammo in the car (not in the gun)?

Double up on the "Yup."

Another point: I don't know why some of you guys see the need for a "lock box." Nowhere does the RCW state that the loaded pistol must be "in a locked box within the vehicle." The code (sub-section iii) states: "...or the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle." In plain English, that means:
(a) When the CPL holder is away from the vehicle,
(b) The pistol--which was left in the vehicle--must not be visible in any way from outside the vehicle, AND
(c) The pistol is "locked within the vehicle."
In other words, if the vehicle is locked, then the pistol is "locked within the vehicle.

There is NO requirement for a lock box. Close your windows, lock the doors, make sure the pistol is out of sight, and you satisfy the requirements of the RCW.

Argue with me if you like.

No requirement for it being in the trunk and you can have ammo.

Read RCW 9.41.050(2)

It's no fun to argue with you when you are right!

1.) Have CPL? Yes, locked and loaded anywhere in the vehicle/body. LEGAL
2.) Have CPL? No, then unloaded anywhere in car. See photo below of front passenger seat of unloaded gun with magazine as an example. LEGAL

Just remember a few things...

What folks say... may... or may not be true... but depends on circumstances.

Many have talked about location. To a certain extent... a CPL holder can potentially have a loaded firearm almost anywhere in the vehicle. But if a passenger is present and/or a minor... make sure it's only accessible by driver or is not near the "other" person that does not have a CPL.

Glove box comes to mind. Some have their firearm in the glove box. By yourself as a CPL holder - this is fine and dandy... Yup, sure!
Now factor in a passenger (unlocked glove box with a passenger that is either a minor or does not have a CPL).

So just have to remember "YOUR" circumstances and apply the law for you.


Yes, not always easy if you have no clue.

Good comments OK. My statements are based on solo driver, and no passenger of any age. Just trying to keep the subject simple. Adding passengers adds a whole new dimension. There are legalities, and common sense that come into play. Just like a lot of subjects we discuss, the "what if monster" can get ugly.

Internet lawyers are awesome.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Someone told me you HAD to have your weapon on your person,I didn't think that sounded right,I looked this up a few years ago and found this..it doesn't answer all the questions,but it does answer the one about having to be on your person..