Carrying a handgun in a backpack in the trunk of a SUV

[bfstunoodle]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this has been a repeating scenario:

I have a SUV, I put my unloaded handgun and two magazines in a backpack and put in the trunk. Is that legal to do? I know that if I have a sedan it wouldn't be a problem since the trunk of a sedan considers a locked container. I'm not too sure in my case. Also, if its not legal, does putting a padlock into the two zippers of the pocket storing my handgun will make it legal?

Appreciate your answers.

[zan101]

I believe handguns have to be in locked container, so your backpack would need a lock. Long guns don't need locks.

[AFTII]

What do you consider your SUV's trunk? Is it a separately locked compartment?

[Librarian]

I believe handguns have to be in locked container, so your backpack would need a lock. Long guns don't need locks.

UNloaded, in completely enclosing locked case. There's no rule on 'how secure', so locked zippers meet the language.

Please see the WAYBACK wiki article https://web.archive.org/web/20151109...g/Transporting

Note also - with the upcoming RAW situation, those rifles will need to be unloaded in a locked case for transport.

[bfstunoodle]

What do you consider your SUV's trunk? Is it a separately locked compartment?

No I don't consider it as a separately locked compartment as I can try to reach to things in the trunk from my backseat.

[bfstunoodle]

UNloaded, in completely enclosing locked case. There's no rule on 'how secure', so locked zippers meet the language.

Please see the WAYBACK wiki article https://web.archive.org/web/20151109...g/Transporting

Note also - with the upcoming RAW situation, those rifles will need to be unloaded in a locked case for transport.

Thank you, so the backpack with zipper would work. I was just worried whether the backpack will not consider an "appropriate" container. It's a work/laptop backpack.

[Fordman650]

In California the mags have to be completely separate from the firearm. Long gun or pistol they must be separate.

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[LeadFarmer74]

In California the mags have to be completely separate from the firearm. Long gun or pistol they must be separate.

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Wrong. They just can't be inserted in the magwell.

[Fordman650]

Wrong. They just can't be inserted in the magwell.

This is good to know. But maybe the deputy I talked to didnt understand my question when I asked him that. Maybe I'll like to see it in writing

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[LeadFarmer74]

This is good to know. But maybe the deputy I talked to didnt understand my question when I asked him that. Maybe I'll like to see it in writing

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Always a good back up. I'm sure other members have posted on it and potentially with a PC.

[Librarian]

In California the mags have to be completely separate from the firearm. Long gun or pistol they must be separate.

This is good to know. But maybe the deputy I talked to didnt understand my question when I asked him that. Maybe I'll like to see it in writing

The question is 'what section of Penal Code is violated by carrying a loaded magazine in the same container/compartment as the gun?', restricting the question to simple transportation by a non-prohibited person.

The answer is 'none', but a number of LE agencies seem either deficient in training their officers, or the officers might be resistant to their training.

See the wiki article -- https://web.archive.org/web/20151026..._in_California, especially the Law Enforcement Training Materials.

[aghauler]

In California the mags have to be completely separate from the firearm. Long gun or pistol they must be separate.

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Here we go again!!!!!

[SkyHawk]

Thank you, so the backpack with zipper would work. I was just worried whether the backpack will not consider an "appropriate" container. It's a work/laptop backpack.

The law says 'secure' container. I personally would NOT gamble my freedom and rights on a backpack being considered a secure firearm transport container by a California jury. This is untested, and I would not want to be the test case.

You can defeat the zipper of a backpack with a pen or pencil, or similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JvmAktLvFg

For $20, I'm keeping my handgun in this or similar, then putting that in the backpack.

https://www.amazon.com/Stack-PC-95C-Portable-Combination-Black/dp/B0058DHXBS

[Fordman650]

Here we go again!!!!!

Please correct me if I am wrong....

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[Packy14]

I believe handguns have to be in locked container, so your backpack would need a lock. Long guns don't need locks.

Long guns you register next year will