Carrying a handgun in a vehicle when the driver has a valid Arizona CCW Permit
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Loading ...By Doug Little on Apr 20, 2008 in AZ CCW Questions, Firearms Safety, Legal Issues, Vehicle Carry
Recently I received this question regarding vehicle carry from an Arizona CCW permit holder.
Question: I have an AZ CCW. I have two questions on handguns I was hoping you could help answer:
- Can I keep the gun in my truck’s armrest storage space with or without a holster? Can it be loaded?
- Can I keep the gun wedged between the driver seat and middle seat with or without a holster? Can it be loaded?
Answer: The short answer is “yes” to all of your questions. As an AZ CCW permit holder, you are not subject to the ‘two steps removed from immediate access’ test that non-permit holders must meet for having a firearm concealed in their vehicle.
You can keep your loaded firearm in the truck’s armrest storage compartment. It does not need to be in a holster, although I would suggest that you secure it somehow so it doesn’t bounce around in there with the trigger exposed. From a safety point of view it makes me a little nervous to have un-holstered handgun bouncing around loose. You never know when something might lodge in the trigger well and potentially cause an accidental discharge.
As far as keeping the gun wedged between the driver seat and middle seat, you can go with or without a holster. The trigger will be much better protected when it is wedged between the seats, so I am less concerned from a safety perspective.
You mentioned having your gun unloaded. Personally, I keep my firearms loaded at all times when I carry them. The only time they are unloaded is when they are locked in the safe. If you need your handgun, you will REALLY need it and you probably won’t have the time to load it…so, I’d make sure that if you carry for personal defense, have your gun loaded. If you have a pistol with a hammer, make sure it is down. If you have one with a safety, make sure it is on.
