trip to CA with firearm in my van

P

pgb205

New member
1. Wanted to take a short trip to CA.
2. Wanted to bring either pistol or shotgun along
3. From CA gov website pistol needs to be locked into enclosed container under lock but not clear if its just for range trips etc. Or if I can visit CA out of state with my pistol locked up like the above.
4. I'd also be willing to take my shotgun if it's easier. But maybe not as it has collapsible stock.

I'll probably be traveling in part of CA next to AZ and only be there for less than 24 hours.
 
I lived in CA briefly two separate times and sometimes its hard to separate myth from fact when it comes to firearm laws. This is what I dug up:

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container. Furthermore, the handgun must be carried directly to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and, while being carried must be contained within a locked container.

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16850, the term "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment.
Click to expand...

Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported.
Click to expand...

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/travel
 
Am not a CA resident and don't know the laws in detail, but I will point out that there are differences between "transporting" a firearm and having it with you, and I believe there are different laws covering the different circumstances.

Generally speaking, if the gun is accessible, you're not "transporting".

And also be aware that while you might be ok transporting the gun during your time in CA, taking it out and using it might NOT be ok.

sorry I can't be of more help, I just think these are things you need to consider and research BEFORE you accidently put yourself in possible legal jeopardy.
 
I'm pretty much ok keeping the gun stashed away in a lock box, ammo separately. I wont be using it. Just want to have it with me after I leave CA. I'm only going to be in CA for a few hours, but for days/weeks elsewhere where my permit is accepted.
 
There are agricultural checkpoints on some of the interstates going into CA (I know I-15 for certain), never had them ask about firearms or go into secondary inspection but just to be safe you're going to want to transition to the lockbox before you get to the state border.
 
This is a handy site for visiting or driving through any US state --

https://handgunlaw.us/

Click on any state to see its laws, scroll to the end.

For CA the following is posted --

"You must have a Permit/License to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle.
The transportation or carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person by any citizen of the United States over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and is not within the excepted classes prescribed by Penal Code Sections 29800 or 29900 or Welfare and Institutions Code sections 8100 & 8103, provided that the following applies:

1. the firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment,
2. and when the firearm is carried by the person to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, the firearm must be contained in a locked container while being physically carried. (Penal Code § 16850)

Traveling with Firearms in California (From the California Attorney General)

HANDGUNS

California Penal Code section 25400 does not prevent a citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who is not lawfully prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, from transporting by motor vehicle any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container. The term "locked container" means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. For more information, refer to California Penal Code Section 25610.

SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES

Nonconcealable firearms (rifles and shotguns) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported. A rifle or shotgun that is defined as an assault weapon pursuant to Penal Code 30510 or 30515 must be transported in accordance with Penal Code section 25610."
 
Keep in mind that the firearm must be legal in CA in all other respects, too. Type of firearm, type of magazine, magazine capacity, etc.

--Wag--
 
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