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Virginia Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: Without a permit, you may carry a handgun in a private vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment; it does not have to be locked.
Without a permit, you may carry a handgun in a private vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment; it does not have to be locked. A permit is needed to carry it concealed on your person. Since July 1, 2026, knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public highway, other public property or a commercial or retail parking area is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless it is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container. A locked glove compartment or console counts.
Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- District of ColumbiaRestricted
Without a DC license, you may transport a firearm in DC only for a lawful purpose, from a place where you may lawfully possess and carry it to another such place. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- KentuckyPermitted
In Kentucky, anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle, loaded, concealed or openly, without a permit. At any age, a loaded or unloaded handgun is not treated as concealed if it is in a factory-installed compartment such as the glove box, center console, or seat pocket. Under 21 without a license, a handgun concealed on or about you outside such a compartment is a Class A misdemeanor.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandRestricted
Without a Maryland permit, a handgun may be transported only to or from a legal purchase, sale or repair shop; between your homes, or home and a business you substantially own and operate; and to, from or during target shooting, hunting, trapping and other listed activities. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
In North Carolina, without a concealed handgun permit, a handgun in a vehicle must not be BOTH hidden from view and readily accessible. …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- TennesseePermitted
In Tennessee, anyone who is not prohibited may carry or keep a loaded handgun anywhere in a privately owned vehicle, without a permit.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
Anyone 18 or older who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and is not barred from having a gun may carry a handgun in a vehicle, concealed or in view, with no license or permit. Guns are banned on school buses and on school grounds, with limited exceptions. Local and private-property rules can add limits.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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