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Virginia Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: In Virginia, without a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) a handgun in a vehicle must be secured in a closed container or compartment, such as the glove box or the console; carrying it concealed on your person requires that permit.
In Virginia, without a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) a handgun in a vehicle must be secured in a closed container or compartment, such as the glove box or the console; carrying it concealed on your person requires that permit. Since July 1, 2026, knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public road, on public property, or in a commercial or retail parking area has been a Class 4 misdemeanor unless the handgun is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container — a locked glove compartment or locked center console qualifies (§ 18.2-308.7:1). Antique firearms, law-enforcement officers, and firearms reported lost or stolen are exempt.
Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →
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