having pistol in TRUCK in Greenville, SC

[ramsey88]

First let me apologize if this is the wrong section for my question, I wasn't sure where to put this.
Also let me apologize if this has been previously discussed, I'm a new member and couldn't find anything searching the forums.

Ok, I've been told its legal for me to have a loaded firearm in my vehicle in Greenville. I'm wondering WHERE exactly in the vehicle its legal to have it...does it HAVE to be in the glovebox/trunk? I drive a truck, so no trunk, and the glovebox is out of reach if I need the gun quickly in a life/death situation. Is it legal to keep it in my truck's center console? (the part where you'd rest your elbow in a truck, you guys know what I mean).

Also, I'm a lefty so keeping the firearm anywhere other than within reach of my left hand proves to be potentially problematic if I NEED the dang thing...what should I do?

I'm hoping to get my CWP soon so if I'm carrying, it'll be a non-issue, but until then, I'm hoping you guys can shed some light on this for me! Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long-winded post, I'm tired lol. Thanks again.

-Ryan

 

[thehammer69]

Glove box..... Center console..... Or since a truck doesn't have a trunk, the law allows you to keep it in closed container behind rear most seat.

 

[ramsey88]

so if its in the glove box or center console, it doesn't need to be in a case or anything like that? sorry I keep asking the same question but I just want to be clear so I don't break the stupid SC gun laws. Thanks hammer

 

[Midnight Raver]

No need to apologize, ramsey88!

You are among friends here, don't worry about asking questions that may have come up. Sometimes they could be buried deep like a tick, so fire away with any and all questions- somebody's bound to have the answers for them! :mrgreen:

 

[armaborealis]

From the statute:

SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:

(9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver?s license, registration, or proof of insurance;

From SC's point of view, its just "tough" that you're a lefty. That's your problem, not the state's issue. You're apparently, in the state's eyes at least, unfit to properly carry a defensive sidearm in a usable manner unless you apply for and receive permission to do so. Just be glad that you CAN apply for a CWP. Lots of folks in SC cannot -- military spouses who retain their residency elsewhere, people who live just across the border in GA/NC, tourists/visitors who don't have reciprocity, etc.

If you're going to car carry, PLEASE get a proper holster that keeps the firearm pointed in a safe direction and covers the trigger guard. Even taping a cheap holster to the inside of the glove box should work.

 

[ramsey88]

Thanks for clearing that up guys. Can anyone give some examples of a good holster for car-carry? Do they make ones that can attach to the inside of a glovebox?

 

[armaborealis]

Something like this might work:
https://www.dragonleatherworks.com/leat ... imaera.php

The cheaper option would just be to get a Fobus or an Uncle Mike's and then tape it securely to the inside of the compartment. I normally would not suggest a floppy Uncle Mike's type holster but you really just need something to protect things from getting inside the trigger guard and keeping it pointed in the right direction.

By the way ,sorry for my sarcasm in the previous post -- I'm not expressing any sort of displeasure at you... Your question was legit. It is simply my disdain for SC's unnecessarily repressive and retarded carry laws.

In the long run I'd consider applying for a CWP. It opens up your carry options substantially. When you do so, write a quick letter to your state rep asking for carry law reform! If you can spend the money on a gun, holster, training, and CWP, then you can afford a "Forever" stamp to send a letter to your elected representative explaining how the carry laws discriminate against lefties!

 

[mark_b]

My understanding of the CWP in SC for vehicles is that you either have to have the weapon concealed on your person, or stowed in the trunk, glove box or center console. Even though you have a permit you are not allowed for example to have the weapon on the car seat, in a door pocket, etc. That is what our instructor taught us and I have not found anything different in reviewing the state laws.

For me, it is hard to be comfortable driving for several hours with a typical IWB holster. If this is not correct I would like to know.

 

[melloyello]

What about going to the range in your truck

I don't know if this has been discussed...so the law states...

"SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:

(9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver?s license, registration, or proof of insurance;"

Where do you put your handguns/range gear when your driving to the range in your truck?
The truck bed is designated luggage compartment, I assume?

 

[thehammer69]

There is more code that defines luggage area in a vehicle that doesn't have a trunk. In a pickup and SUV, the luggage area is defined as the area BEHIND the rear most seat. So if you are in a regular cab truck, you can keep it behind you. I also will add that the regulations also require the firearm to be inside a closed case when carried in this manner.

 

[ramsey88]

when i go to the range I have the weapons cased and behind the seats, along with my range bag (ammo, eyes & ears, etc.) but my truck's a 2-door so there's no where else I could put the stuff (damn sure aint puttin my guns in the bed!!! :lol: )

 

[Regulis7]

I took an inexpensive nylon holster that fits my ccw and attached it to the inside of my glove box with some velcro and epoxy in a position that allows easy removal or insertion from the drivers side. This keeps the trigger safely covered, muzzle in safe direction and keeps the pistol from being tossed about in event of a minor accident.

 

[melloyello]

There is more code that defines luggage area in a vehicle that doesn't have a trunk. In a pickup and SUV, the luggage area is defined as the area BEHIND the rear most seat. So if you are in a regular cab truck, you can keep it behind you. I also will add that the regulations also require the firearm to be inside a closed case when carried in this manner.

when i go to the range I have the weapons cased and behind the seats, along with my range bag (ammo, eyes & ears, etc.) but my truck's a 2-door so there's no where else I could put the stuff (damn sure aint puttin my guns in the bed!!! :lol: )

I am right there with you...Had a 2 door regular cab truck.
Had to have separate handgun cases for each handgun just so they would fit behind me.
Range gear, etc was on the passenger side.

Did it matter whether the case was a zipped up gun rug or did it have to be a latched hard case.

 

[The General]

Closed container. The glove box, center console are both 'closed containers'.

Behind the rear-most seats is correct. If a single row truck, then behind the PASSENGER seat. The idea is that you can not access it - You're transporting it.

A lockbox placed under the seat is OK because it's closed (this right out of SLED last night during Instructor Seminar).

Closed container, not tossed onto the floor, seatback, between the cushions, door compartment, etc.

-Mike

 

[rotarymike]

This brings up an interesting question. Since ranges are usually distant to me, I typically drive my wife's Mini Cooper for the gas mileage.

None of my rifles, cased or not, will fit in the luggage area of the Mini. So how does that work?

When I transport them they are always in zipped cases, but I have to put them in the back seat/diagonally across the car in order to fit. Never been stopped while doing so, so I have no idea if LEOs would have a problem with it (I doubt it - cased, unloaded rifle with ammo in separate, locked container is not much of a threat... but common sense isn't, as they say).

Not a problem in terms of pistolry; I carry IAW my CWP or in the glove box.

 

[The General]

Since you are trying to comply with the law: Closed case, away from the driver, no prosecutor is going to touch it.

I would toss a blanket over them too to a) hide them from view, and b) make it even clearer that you're not able to access them quickly while in the drivers seat.

-Mike

 

[Rosea Carpa]

See if South Carolina were to go to a open carry state we wouldn't have to worry about this. Stuff!!