Locked container in hidden compartment in car

[spike spiegel]

Is it legal to put a locked pistol container, (like gun vault) in a hidden compartment in my car. I'm putting a stereo system in my car and was going to put a hidden compartment in to hide a gun vault.

[taperxz]

Yes, you are GTG

[BigPimping]

No problemo senor.

[spike spiegel]

Thanks for the quick responses. Some thought that if I hid the container in my car it would make it illegal.

[stphnman20]

Magazine has to be in a separate compartment though. I think?

Check Titan Gun Safe

[taperxz]

Magazine has to be in a separate compartment though. I think?

Check Titan Gun Safe

NO.

[bill_k_lopez]

Magazine has to be in a separate compartment though. I think?

Check Titan Gun Safe

Sweet Jesus...

If you aren't sure, don't answer.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html

I will be traveling to California and want to carry my weapon. I currently have a concealed weapon permit. How can I legally transport my weapon while driving through the state?
California law does not recognize concealed weapon permits from other states; therefore, they would not be held valid. If you wish to transport a handgun during your California visit, it should be carried unloaded in a locked container. In the absence of a suitable container, you may secure the unloaded handgun in the locked trunk of a passenger car. Ammunition may be kept in the same container or trunk, but the handgun must remain unloaded with no rounds in the cylinder and no loaded magazines in the magazine well.

[Rock6.3]

Magazine has to be in a separate compartment though. I think?

FALSE!

Magazine can be full.
Full or empty magazine can be in same container as the handgun.

The rule is that the handgun cannot be loaded, so keep the mag out of the firearm.

[RickD427]

Sir,

You should be aware of Health and Safety Code section 11366.8. It makes it a felony to create a hidden compartment in a vehicle for the purpose of concealing narcotics. It does not prohibit such a compartment for concealment of firearms.

However, many LEOs, upon discovery of such compartments will normally assume they are for narcotics, and if they believe that probable cause exists for an arrest, you may find yourself going to jail.

I was going to comment on the magazine, but three other posters just beat me to it.

[deviljon]

While we're on this topic.

What is the best way to legally keep a firearm in the car while making it quickly accessible?

Gunvault minivault secured somewhere inside the car within reach?

[teg33]

Sir,

You should be aware of Health and Safety Code section 11366.8. It makes it a felony to create a hidden compartment in a vehicle for the purpose of concealing narcotics. It does not prohibit such a compartment for concealment of firearms.

However, many LEOs, upon discovery of such compartments will normally assume they are for narcotics, and if they believe that probable cause exists for an arrest, you may find yourself going to jail.

I was going to comment on the magazine, but three other posters just beat me to it.

FUD LEO can not arrest you if they can not find any narcotics on such compartment.

[RickD427]

FUD LEO can not arrest you if they can not find any narcotics on such compartment.

Sir,

No FUD. The violation is in creating the compartment, or in possessing the compartment.

Only the intent to use it for narcotics is required.

There is no element of the offense that requires narcotics actually be in the compartment.

I've made several arrests for violation of this section, and have obtained convictions where the intent element was proven through expert testimony.

Here's the full text of the law. Please note the absence of any element requiring narcotics to be present:

"11366.8. (a) Every person who possesses, uses, or controls a false
compartment with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle, or transport
a controlled substance within the false compartment shall be punished
by imprisonment in a county jail for a term of imprisonment not to
exceed one year or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the
Penal Code.
(b) Every person who designs, constructs, builds, alters, or
fabricates a false compartment for, or installs or attaches a false
compartment to, a vehicle with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle,
or transport a controlled substance shall be punished by
imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal
Code for 16 months or two or three years.
(c) The term "vehicle" means any of the following vehicles without
regard to whether the vehicles are private or commercial, including,
but not limited to, cars, trucks, buses, aircraft, boats, ships,
yachts, and vessels.
(d) The term "false compartment" means any box, container, space,
or enclosure that is intended for use or designed for use to conceal,
hide, or otherwise prevent discovery of any controlled substance
within or attached to a vehicle, including, but not limited to, any
of the following:
(1) False, altered, or modified fuel tanks.
(2) Original factory equipment of a vehicle that is modified,
altered, or changed.
(3) Compartment, space, or box that is added to, or fabricated,
made, or created from, existing compartments, spaces, or boxes within
a vehicle."

Now,

I've taken the time to provide a citation showing that my original post was correct. If you believe that narcotics must be found before an arrest can be made, please provide your citation to support such a claim.

[edgerly779]

5132 posts and still does not get it. Firearm may not be loaded , but ammo and loaded mags may be in locked continer with handgun or in the case of longguns in unlocked container.

[Agent 0range]

Sir,

No FUD. The violation is in creating the compartment, or in possessing the compartment.

Only the intent to use it for narcotics is required.

There is no element of the offense that requires narcotics actually be in the compartment.

I've made several arrests for violation of this section, and have obtained convictions where the intent element was proven through expert testimony.

This seems to be part of the problem in CA, not part of the solution IMO.

[Packy14]

Magazine has to be in a separate compartment though. I think?

Check Titan Gun Safe

hahaha. 5100 posts and you still don't know that law doesn't exist??