Security Drawer = "Utility Compartment"?

[dave nelson]

Regarding compliance with PC12026.1:

other than the utility or glove compartment.

I prefer to over-comply rather than test the laws, so I have always transported my handgun in the trunk of my Jeep in a LOCKED container, separate from ammunition. My unique situation is that I have a "security drawer" installed in the trunk of my Jeep:



Could this be construed by an LEO/court as "the utility compartment"? It's lockable, and is absolutely unreachable by any means other than (1) opening the tailgate, and then (2) opening the drawer, which is lockable. Furthermore, if this were a utility compartment in the eyes of the law, would I be safeguarded legally by having the gun in a locked case while enclosed within the drawer?

This is one of those situations where I know I'm doing the safe/right thing, but we all know that sometimes that is not necessarily the most indisputably legal thing, especially with how vaguely 12025/12026 are written.

Any input/advice is much appreciated!

[<IXOYE><]

Compliant

[Rider1k]

same question but if I lock all my firearms in the tool box of my truck. ammo in locked metal military ammo cans. should be compliant as well?

[Ron-Solo]

I would say compliant

[Librarian]

Current numbering for that is PC 16850

California Penal Code Section 16850

As used in Sections 17740, 23925, 25105, 25205, and 25610,
in Article 3 (commencing with Section 25505) of Chapter 2 of Division
5 of Title 4, and in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 26350) of
Division 5 of Title 4, "locked container" means a secure container
that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, keylock, combination
lock, or similar locking device.

The term "locked container" does not include the utility or
glove compartment of a motor vehicle.

Since whatever genius wrote that did not bother to define "the utility ... compartment of a motor vehicle", we're never really sure. And that point has not made it into an appellate court case, so no judge has had an opportunity to clarify.

In my opinion, whatever that may be worth, said long-ago genius couldn't remember 'center console' as a term; everything else in the folklore points to a desire to keep handguns unavailable for ready use.

[Notorious]

Why don't you just have a locked gun case or bag which would solve all of your problems no matter where you toss the gun?

[email]

Console vault = utility compartment?

[Librarian]

Console vault = utility compartment?

Unknown.

I don't think so - but no support in Penal Code or case law to determine.