Bed mounted tool box when transporting

[valkylrie]

I drive a pick up, no trunk. I do have a bed mounted tool box that locks. While I think that is good to go when transporting firearms.. I do live in...well you know... So do I need locking cases in the locked tool box for long guns or am I good to go?

[paul0660]

I once talked to the DOJ on the phone and they said that was fine.

Personally I would put the gun in another locked case and then stick it in there to be completely clear of a federal gfsz violation.

[valkylrie]

Thats the way I was leaning, no sense in taking chances...

[ojisan]

At the time the law was written, there were TV commercials from GM and Ford calling the new hot feature of a storage area under a movable center armrest top a "Utility Compartment".
Both the utility compartment and glove compartment are not considered a locked container under this CA law.
This fits with their idea of delayed or limited access to fireams, as these containers, while possibly lockable, are too conveniently accessed for the intent of the law.
It would have been better if they had defined "Utility Container" more specifically back then...but the UT was a new idea and that's what they were called.

It's kinda funny how it all worked out since as long as it is not in the glove compartment or UC, the locked container could be anywhere, including sitting on the seat right next to you.

A locked tool carrier box bolted to the bed of your truck should be no different than a locked car trunk, which is a legal locked container all by itself.

All that said, I was always lock up everything at least once in their own cases and then if possible also in a locked truck tool box or car trunk.