How to Safely Carry a Gun in Your Car

As a gun owner, you understand the importance of safety and responsibility. As a responsible concealed carrier, you may be concerned with how to store your gun while traveling or commuting. Of course, the best option for self-defense is to keep your gun on your person, but if you encounter “no-gun” signs while out and about, you’ll have to safely tuck your handgun away in your vehicle.

How to Concealed Carry a Gun in a Car

Thefts of guns from cars are an ongoing problem. A significant number of guns sold illegally on the street were originally stolen from vehicles, including police cruisers. Too often, owners don’t take modest steps to protect firearms, such as simply locking the car. Consider the following options to store your gun safely and legally in your car when needed.

Glove Box

A glove box is a common, accessible location in an emergency, but it should be locked for security. It comes with risks: passengers may access it easily. Ask yourself if you trust every rider — including children — to handle that responsibility.

Consider firearm size and shape before choosing this option. If the gun is too large, it may not fit properly or may be difficult to access quickly in an emergency.

Burglars often check the glove box or center console first. An unsecured gun can be stolen and used in a crime. By not securing your firearm, you may inadvertently contribute to criminal activity.

There are safety considerations during traffic stops. Reaching into a glove box with a firearm inside may alarm an officer. Traffic stops are frequent and high-risk; avoid actions that heighten concern.

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Don’t assume you’ll always remember to notify an officer about a firearm in the glove box. We all forget things. Some states also have specific laws on glove-box storage, so check local requirements before using this method.

Console

The center console is convenient and accessible for the driver, but it should be locked when you’re away. As with glove boxes, ensure your firearm fits without interfering with other items or controls.

Locked Under the Seat

If a larger firearm doesn’t fit in the glove box or console, under-seat storage may work. It’s discreet and often overlooked by thieves. Use a chain or the included cable lock to secure the firearm to a seat component that cannot be lifted to remove the gun.

With an unloaded gun, run the cable through the firearm and secure it to the car, using a part of the gun other than the trigger guard. Keep it out of view to reduce temptation. Note that access may be slower in an emergency.

Gun Safe

If you can’t anchor with a cable or don’t have attachment points, consider a portable gun box or safe. In some states, separating weapon and ammunition is required. A lockbox or safe is the most secure option.

Steel lockboxes range from slower key/combination access to rapid biometric models. A major advantage is keeping a loaded, ready firearm secured without repeated loading/unloading. Anchor the safe to the vehicle to deter theft.

Safes come in various sizes and can be mounted in the trunk or under a seat. Quality units also protect against moisture and heat. If you frequently travel with a firearm or drive a lot, consider a model-specific Console Vault that installs in the center console and remains discreet.

Legal Considerations

Before storing a gun in your vehicle, learn your state’s laws. Some states specify how to store firearms in vehicles, while others restrict storage locations. Research and comply to avoid legal issues.

Vehicle carry laws vary widely and can be confusing. Some states require the gun to be on your person while driving; others require encasement. For example, Wisconsin requires a handgun to be encased, not stashed in a glove box. Always check the specifics of your state and circumstances.

Carry is generally prohibited inside school buildings. Some jurisdictions allow leaving your gun secured in your car on school property or passing through pick-up/drop-off lanes with a secured firearm in the vehicle.

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Your workplace may also pose challenges. If employers prohibit concealed carry in the workplace, you may need to store the gun in your car — check whether your state protects employee vehicle storage rights.

Because laws change, reference the USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws by State for state-by-state guidance.

There Are Better Options for Car Concealed Carry

Even when legal, glove-box storage can present more risk than reward. If your state allows open carry of a loaded gun in a vehicle, consider a holster mount positioned securely between your legs or discreetly mounted near the dash.

Evaluate all options based on your state’s laws. Ideally, carry on your person; otherwise, mount to upholstery or secure to the seat with a purpose-built holster mount. If a container is required, choose a reliable gun safe.

Whatever you choose — glove box, console, under-seat or safe — make sure the location is safe, secure and reasonably accessible in an emergency. Securing your firearm, even temporarily, is your responsibility. Plan your routine and invest in a solution that prevents unauthorized access while keeping you prepared.

This article is a compilation of previous blog posts authored by Tom McHale, John Caile and Kevin Michalowski