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Virginia Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)

Conditional: Without a CHP, a handgun in a vehicle must be secured in a closed container/compartment (e.g., glove box or console); carrying concealed on the person requires a CHP. NEW as of July 1, 2026 (§ 18.2-308.7:1): knowingly leaving a handgun in an UNATTENDED vehicle on a public road/public property or in a commercial/retail parking area is 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.

Without a CHP, a handgun in a vehicle must be secured in a closed container/compartment (e.g., glove box or console); carrying concealed on the person requires a CHP. NEW as of July 1, 2026 (§ 18.2-308.7:1): knowingly leaving a handgun in an UNATTENDED vehicle on a public road/public property or in a commercial/retail parking area is 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. Antique firearms, law-enforcement officers, and firearms reported lost/stolen are exempt.

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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