driving with a handgun question...

[stitchnicklas]

is there any violations in driving point to point with a handgun in a auto safe secured via cable to seat frame/keyed lock.
i know it must be unloaded with magazine removed from gun and be in a locked container...

i will be driving back and forth to el centro(border area) a lot soon and want to have some protection.i will be applying in January for a ccw..

[Rocket Man]

Your GTG, just don't "bolt anything to the vehicle then it becomes a "utility compartment" which is a no no. Cable lock is a security device and a good idea. Keep it out of plain view.

[chewy352]

Nope. You got it right. Unloaded (although the magazines may be loaded just not in the firearm) and in a locked container (glove box is not a locked container -PC 12026.1). You can also unloaded open carry but then you run the risk of running into school zones (PC 626.9).

I always carry in the car like this except my safe is on the seat beside me and the cable lock only goes on if I have to leave it in my car.

[chewy352]

Your GTG, just don't "bolt anything to the vehicle then it becomes a "utility compartment" which is a no no. Cable lock is a security device and a good idea. Keep it out of plain view.

How to you figure a bolted down safe becomes a "utility compartment"?

I'm not saying you're wrong I'm just curious on what you are basing that statement on.

[stitchnicklas]

i was thinking something like this...

http://www.basspro.com/Sentry-Safe-AS1-Auto-Safe/product/10200007/-1566941

magazine can be in the container also correct??

[chim-chim7]

Just get a NanoVault 300. Fits under your seat, and comes with 1500lb cable that locks from the inside. Holds my XD45 and loaded mag no problem. Locked around my seat rails.

[Rocket Man]

How to you figure a bolted down safe becomes a "utility compartment"?

I'm not saying you're wrong I'm just curious on what you are basing that statement on.

I have read the actual law on this and now I'm having trouble finding it, but basically when it's bolted to the car it becomes part of the car and the law states utility compartments are not aloud. I'll keep searching for the law.

[chewy352]

Was it a Penal code or a Vehicle code? I will look as well.

I didn't find anything.

[lwbyo1]

I think this is what you're looking for: http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/travel.php

HANDGUNS
California Penal Code section 12025 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 12026.1

THE

[chewy352]

Nope. Rocket Man is referencing a law that says if you bolt a safe or some other box to your car then it becomes a utility compartment. PC 12026.1 does not go that far.

I hope he finds it because that would be interesting. Until then I think it might be fud that he picked up somewhere.

Also I would not entirely trust any AG pamphlets or anything they put out as the lawyers who make it can easily misinterpret the laws. When I need to know the laws I go to this site.

[littlejake]

I think this bolted in becomes a utility compartment confusion comes from the unsettled question as to whether a cross-bed utility box bolted in the bed of a pickup truck is a utility compartment or the equivalent of a trunk.

I have a single gun safe that has a plate that can be bolted down -- I bolted it in my trunk. The gun safe can be locked into the plate. I forgot whom I got it from; but it's a very well made gun safe with a 5 button Simplex push button lock.

[paul0660]

There isn't a part of any code that addresses the bolting aspect. The reference to "the" utility compartment has been twisted to include anything "permanently attached". It is illogical, but some very important people take that ridiculous view, including the shining stars at CalCCW, so it has become fud with the force of law. The same folks do not discourage prosecution for carrying loaded mags in the locked box. It's a fact, Jack.

The OP's setup is perfectly legal, good luck on the CCW.

[uyoga]

Unloaded, in a locked container. The locked container can be the locked trunk of your car, but can not be the locked glove compartment or the locked center console of your car. It does not appear that the locked contained must somehow be attached to the car. From your post, it appears that you are complying with the law.

[sighere]

I've also heard the cable is ok, but bolting makes it a compartment per the code. I think this interpretation is just that, an interpretation. That said, I use the cable model myself for that reason. The thing that I don't like is that it seems like pliers, wire and bolt cutters are part of the burglar's toolkit. The cable mine came with may be a 1500 lb cable, but it does not take much to cut it with the right tools. Better than nothing, I guess. The smash and grab dope fiend won't get it, but the career thief will.

[harbinger007]

I think this bolted in becomes a utility compartment confusion comes from the unsettled question as to whether a cross-bed utility box bolted in the bed of a pickup truck is a utility compartment or the equivalent of a trunk.

I have a single gun safe that has a plate that can be bolted down -- I bolted it in my trunk. The gun safe can be locked into the plate. I forgot whom I got it from; but it's a very well made gun safe with a 5 button Simplex push button lock.

It sounds like you're talking about http://www.vlineind.com/html/top_draw.html which is something I've got as well. Only the base plate is permanently attached; the case is easily attached and removed from the base plate when it's open. I don't see any legal difference between it and one which is secured with a cable. If my understanding is wrong, please point out how.