Can You Legally Carry a Gun in Your Car in Washington State?

When you carry a gun, you must be careful, as even accidental legal violations can lead to serious consequences. This includes carrying a gun in your car, which is legal but only under certain conditions.

You may carry a gun in your car, but you must do so in accordance with strict laws. First, you must have a valid gun license to carry a gun at all, including inside your car. Second, you may carry a gun in your car, but the gun must remain on your person. You must also remain in the vehicle for as long as the gun is in it. If you leave the vehicle and the gun remains inside, the vehicle must be locked, and the gun must be stored out of view. Violations of this law may be serious, and you may face criminal charges.

Ask our Tacoma, WA weapons charges attorneys for a private legal review by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car in Washington State?

It is not illegal to have a gun if you have a valid un license and obtain the firearm through the proper legal channels. It is also not illegal to carry a gun in your car, but certain rules must be followed.

License Requirement

First, you cannot carry a gun anywhere, let alone in a car, if you do not have a valid license to own and carry a firearm. Even if the gun is unloaded and locked away in the car, where others cannot reach it, your actions may result in criminal charges if you do not have a gun license.

When You May Carry a Gun in Your Car

You are allowed to carry a loaded pistol in your car, but you must follow several important rules imposed by Washington State law.

First, the pistol must be on your person when inside the car. It should not be in the seat next to you or even in the glove box. Keep it in a proper holster on your person.

Second, if the pistol is in your car, you should also be in your car. Avoid leaving the pistol in your car if you are not there.

Third, if you must leave the pistol in your car, you are required to keep the vehicle locked, and the pistol must be concealed from view from outside the car.

It should be noted that the law here specifically applies to pistols, not to general firearms. If you want to carry a different firearm in your car, you should first seek advice from an experienced attorney.

Penalties for Violations

A violation of the law discussed above may lead to misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to 90 days in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Remember, this penalty is for those who have a valid gun license but violate the law regarding how to carry it in a vehicle. If you did not have a valid gun license when you violated the law about carrying a gun in a vehicle, you may face additional, harsher charges.

What Should I Do if I am Criminally Charged for Carrying a Gun in My Vehicle?

If you are charged with carrying a gun in your vehicle in violation of the law, you can defend yourself with help from an experienced attorney.

Contact a Lawyer

Your first step should be to call a lawyer for help. If you are arrested and taken into police custody, you may be questioned about the alleged offense. It may seem like a good idea to try to explain yourself to the authorities, hoping that they will release you. However, you should avoid answering questions about the gun without a lawyer present.

Produce Your Gun License

One of the first questions likely to come up in your case is whether you have a valid gun license. This may make a huge difference in your charges. It is one thing to carry a gun in your car in violation of the law, but it is much worse to do the same without a valid gun license.

When carrying a gun in your car, you should always have your gun license with you to show the authorities if needed. If you did not have your license with you, ask your attorney to help you get it to show the police.

Possible Defense Strategies

It is possible that the gun was not loaded. The above-mentioned law about carrying a pistol in your car applies to loaded pistols. If the firearm in question was not loaded, it may be possible for you to store it securely in the trunk of the car or somewhere else and not carry it directly on your person.

To be convicted of the violation, you must be aware of the gun in your car. If you let a friend or family member borrow your car and they leave a gun inside, tell your attorney. You may be able to avoid charges if our Washington State weapons charges attorneys can prove you had no knowledge of the firearm.

FAQs About Carrying a Gun in Your Car in Washington State

Am I Allowed to Carry a Firearm in My Car?

You are allowed to carry a firearm in your car, but only under specific conditions. You must have a valid gun license and keep the gun on your person if it is loaded. You should not leave the gun in the vehicle unless the car is locked and the gun is out of view.

Where Can I Store a Firearm Inside My Car?

You may keep a loaded pistol on your person inside your car. If you must leave a gun inside your car, the car must be locked, and the gun must be stored somewhere out of sight, like in the glove box or the trunk. You should not keep a gun out in the open, like on the front passenger seat.

Am I Allowed to Leave a Firearm in My Car?

Yes, but the car must be locked, and the gun should not be visible from the outside. Even if you have a valid gun license, leaving a gun out in the open or in an unlocked car may be a serious legal violation. It may be best to avoid leaving a gun in your car if possible.

Can I Be Criminally Charged for Carrying a Gun in My Car?

Yes. If the gun is not stored properly in your car, you may face misdemeanor charges. If you do not have a valid gun license, you may face additional penalties for unlawfully carrying a firearm.

Do I Need a Gun License to Carry a Firearm in My Car?

Yes. Even if you follow all the rules and properly carry or store a firearm inside your car, you may still be criminally charged if you do not have a gun license. You must have a gun license to legally carry a firearm anywhere.

Contact Our Washington State Weapons Charges Attorneys for Legal Help

Ask our Washington State weapons charges lawyers for a private legal review by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.