What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry in Your Vehicle

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What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry in Your Vehicle

Transporting a gun in your vehicle is something you may not think about if you have a short commute, but there are specific laws to consider before you carry for long trips, especially across state lines. Plus, it’s always a good idea to carry in a way that is safe and effective. Please read our blog below about what you need to know before you concealed carry in your car.

State Laws

Before you decide to carry in your vehicle, you need to make sure you know the laws of each state you drive through. Concealed carry reciprocity is something to be aware of before traveling across state lines. You shouldn’t have to worry about this for day-to-day travel, but for longer trips, learning each state’s laws is essential to keep yourself out of trouble.

You can still transport your weapons through a state that doesn’t honor your concealed carry license, but state rules differ in how restricted your gun should be in transport and if you need to inform an officer of its presence. Considering state law, there are several options for where you can store your gun.

How to Concealed Carry While Driving

A key to concealed carry while driving is practice. Dry-fire training from a seated position in your car is a great way to prepare for defensive situations from the driver’s seat. Learning how to draw and fire your weapon with one hand is critical for these situations. Dry-fire practice can also help you understand how to operate in the limited space your vehicle cab provides.

Where You Can Store Your Gun

If you are driving through a state that honors your concealed carry permit, you can carry your firearm on your person like you usually would. Some prefer to place their weapon of choice in a spot that is more accessible. For our purposes, we will break down your storage options into two categories: convenience or accessible options and inaccessible options.

Convenience or Accessible Options

  • Concealed on Your Person: Whenever you are traveling in a state that honors your concealed carry permit, you can place your firearm wherever you usually would. Sticking with your regular holster might be the option for you if you want to keep your weapon entirely hidden while traveling. The biggest drawback to having your gun on your person is it may be harder to access in case of an emergency.
  • Gun Holsters and Holster Mounts: Vehicle holsters and holster mounts allow for the easiest access to your weapon. There are several types of mounts you can use for your vehicle. Two standard placements are the steering wheel column and strapped to the driver’s seat cushion. These places are great if you need your firearm in a pinch.
  • Stock Vehicle Storage: Sometimes, the best option is to use what you already have. A lockable glove box or console can work as a place to store your weapon that is accessible but keeps it out of view. If you use this method, it’s essential to put your gun in a holster that covers the trigger to prevent any misfires from other items in your glove box or console.
  • Other specialized weapon storage: If you are looking for something accessible, but more secure than a holster or traditional vehicle storage, there are gun safes you can configure to sit next to or under a driver’s seat. Digital combination locks or biometric scans keep your firearms inaccessible to anyone who shouldn’t use them.

Inaccessible Options

If you are looking to transport your firearm of choice through a state with strict firearm laws, here are a few options that can keep your weapon secure. It’s also important to note that some areas vary on how your gun can be stored. Separate containers for ammunition, magazine limits and how assembled your weapon can be are all things to consider.

  • Lockable Hard Case:  A lockable hard case with a foam liner is usually sufficient for states with strict gun transporting policies. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, keeping your gun protected from bumps along the road.
  • A Trunk Storage System: For top-of-line gun storage you can purchase a firearm storage system to install in the trunk or bed of your vehicle. These are the most secure and can carry your other gear and supplies you want to keep safe.

Concealed Carry Traffic Stops

Once you've figured out a gun storage method for concealment while in the car, you need to make sure you have a plan when a law enforcement officer pulls you over.

There are about 20 million traffic stops in the United States every year. During those stops, there are plenty of law-abiding gun owners who are concealing in their cars. Keep reading for tips on how you should address your concealed firearm when you get pulled over.

How to Tell a Cop You Have a Gun in Your Car: What Are the Rules?

The first thing to know is that you aren't a criminal for having a gun on your person while being pulled over in a traffic stop unless you are specifically prohibited from owning a firearm.

As long as you can legally own a firearm and follow your state's rules for carrying in a vehicle, there's no need to panic.

Exact rules vary between states. Some states mandate that you inform the officer that you are carrying your concealed firearm. Others require that you hand your concealed carry permit to the officer every time you are at a traffic stop. All states ask you to notify an officer if they ask during the stop. 

The legality of your carrying situation depends on the state law. If you are traveling through another state, concealed carry reciprocity is something you'll need to consider. You need to be informed of the state's reciprocity and restrictions and gun transportation laws before you travel.

Best Practices

No one likes to be pulled over. We can all justify reasons for speeding or why we haven't fixed that headlight yet. Unfortunately, the officer doesn't know our reasons and is doing their job to enforce the law. 

Whether you are carrying or not, you should calmly approach these situations. Officers are on high alert until they can see that you will comply and remain calm during the encounter.

Remain Calm

Never panic when you are pulled over and are carrying. While you may feel tense, make sure to stay composed. Raising your voice or making quick movements can increase tension.

Common Sense and Courtesy

If you find yourself in a concealed carry traffic stop, you need to use the same common sense and courtesy you would without your firearm. 

  • Slow down when the vehicle approaches with lights on
  • Move towards the right side of the road, and pull over when it is safe to do so
  • Turn the car ignition off
  • If it's dark, turn the interior lights on
  • Put your hands on the steering wheel and wait for further instructions from the officer

Avoid Shuffling

Don't rifle through your glove box, center console or backseat for necessary documentation until you are instructed. Excessive amounts of movement that make you appear to go for a weapon is known as "furtive movement," which will give the officer reasons for suspicion. The officer doesn't know you and doesn't want to be in harm's way. Always wait for instructions first.

Handing Over Your Documentation

Once the officer has come to your window and given you the reason for the traffic stop, they will ask you to provide them with driving documentation like your license and registration. This exchange is usually the best point to inform the officer about your firearm. 

NEVER, use the phrase, "I have a gun." An officer can see this phrase as threatening and react. Don't flash your weapon at the officer. Instead, you can go about informing the officer in one of these two ways:

  • Hand them your concealed carry permit with your other documentation. This will most likely elicit the question from the officer, "do you have a firearm on you/in your vehicle?" This question will give you a chance to tell them where it is and ask how they want to proceed.
  • Calmly tell the officer about your permit and firearm. Emphasis on the word "calmly." You want the officer to know that you are willing to comply with their instructions. 

Handing Over Your Firearm

Once you've informed the officer of the firearm, they can handle the situation in a few ways. 

  • They may ask for you to hand the firearm over to them yourself.
  • They may ask you to step out of the vehicle so they can retrieve the firearm. 

Regardless, compliance is key to a safe traffic stop. You will receive your weapon after the stop.

Show Respect and Restraint

Law enforcement officers are people too. They want the traffic stop to be safe as well. If you think that the ticket you received was unfair, take your concerns to a traffic lawyer to settle in court. Arguing with an officer at the time of the stop will escalate the situation. If you are carrying a firearm, you shouldn't take chances in a traffic stop. Show restraint and work out the details of the ticket later. 

If you plan to carry in your vehicle, always be prepared for proper transportation and contact with law enforcement. Having a plan in place will set you up for success when you concealed carry.

If you are looking for a place to store your firearm while you aren't carrying, give your gun the perfect home with a concealment flag or piece of wall art from Liberty Home Concealment. We have options that can complement a variety of styles while keeping your gun accessible. 

Don't know which option will work best for your home? Call or fill out a contact form to get in touch with a team member who can help you find the perfect firearm storage solution for your home.

*This is not legal advice. For more information on concealed carry traffic stop law, contact your concealed carry instructor, lawyer or local authorities for specifics on your city, county and state rules and regulations.*

This blog was originally posted in February 2020 and was updated in May 2021 to add tips for concealed carry traffic stops.

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Hanging instructions for the Patriot Wall Shelf

Factors to consider befor you start

Installing a Patriot wall shelf can be a very simple project but there are several factors that you need to understand. our shelves have been designed to work with standard pine 2X4 construction that was 16" on center. Because they were designed around the 16" on center pine 2X4 framed walls that is the process for our instructions. Installing the shelves on amy other type of wall is done at your risk. Liberty Home Concealment does not advise you to attempt installing your shelf onto amy other type of wall.

Understanding what is beneath your walls

Anytime you are doing work or attaching something to a wall it is wise to have a solid grasp of what lies beneath the surface of your walls. If you are not comfortable with the task of hanging a shelf on your wall perhaps it would be wise to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor to install the shelf on the wall for you. There are many factors that you should consider prior to beginning yur shelf installation. SAFETY is the first and top priority.

Safety First

As a consurmer of Liberty Home Concealment, it is a safe assumption that you are a gun owner. Liberty Home Concealment sincerely hopes that you have a great grasp of the concept of SAFETY FIRST. The installation of our shelves requires several steps and we highly recommend that you have a friend help you with the installation. This is very important as the size and moving parts of the shelves can make the installation very cumbersome and potentially dangerous for a single person to accomplish by themselves. So please, we urge you to get some help. Secondly, proper tools that are in good serviceable condition are a must. Please use your tools in a manner consistent with the manufacturers intended use. Using proper tools can make the installation quick, simple and enjoyable. But most importantly, SAFE. So, save yourself the trouble and use the proper tools.

CAUTION!!

Failure to follow and comply with these instructions could result in INJURY and even DEATH!

Tools that should be considered for a safe proper installation

Stud finder, Tape measure, Pencil, Level, Electric screw driver, and Safety glasses.

Step 1

Confirm your desired wall has adequate support by finding the studs with the stud finder. Also, remove the foam insert until later instruction. Mark your stud locations and transfer those measurement onto your shelf. Drill pilot holes through shelf in marked locations. We recommend using a 1/8" or 3/16" bit for the pilot hole. A hole too big will allow the screw to pull right through the back of the shelf. That would be bad. And unnecessary. Please use the proper drill bit. Depending on your wall you should be able to locate at least two studs to anchor your shelf into for maximum strength. Some walls may even allow for three studs to be anchored into. The shelf MUST use at LEAST (2) pine 2X4 studs and the shelf bracket's to fully support the finished loaded weight.

Step 2

With the help of a friend, and using a level and your original measurements hold the shelf in its desired location and transfer the pilot hole locations to the wall. You should be using a minimum of two studs for this step. Each stud receiving (3) screw locations. Two internally, and the other two in the brackets on top. For now, only focus on marking the internal locations. Mark the four internal screw holes. Make sure to hold your shelf nice and level for this step or yur final installation will be crooked.

Step 3

With the help of a friend, hold the shelf into its' mounting location. Line up the holes in the shelf with the marks in your wall and your wall anchors, and install the six long wood screws into the wall. Four into two different studs, and two into the wall anchors.

Step 4

Installing the shelf brackets to the TOP of your shelf. At this point your shelf is attatched to the wall but it is not ready for any weight. Please DO NOT ADD ANY WEIGHT until you have firmly mounted and anchored your brackets into the top. Have your friend help you support the weight of the shelf until you can get the brackets tightly mounted to the desired location on your wall studs. Again, use two studs. Do not add weight to your shelf either inside, or on top, until both brackets are fully installed. Using the supplied 3/4" screws attach brackets to the top of the shelf and 2 of the longer screws for the stud attachment.

Step 5

Unlocking your shelf. Use your magnetic key to locate and unlock the bottom of the shelf. Do this while the shelf is open so you can see what is going on. You may even want ot make two small marks on the bottom of the shelf if it helps you to locate the pickup. It will take a little practice to find the location of the magnetic pick up but you will find it. Make sure you aren't inadvertently trying to unlock the gas damper. Once the location of the lock pickup is located, the magnet will hold itself in place. However, the shelf will not fully disengage the locks until you release the pressure on the locks by lifting the shelf slightly upward with a simple squeeze of your hands. Once you hear the audible clicks of the locks disengaging you can slowly open the shelf allowing the gas damper to lower the shelf to its resting stop.

Concealment Picture Frame Installation Instructions

Consider What is Beneath Your Walls

Anytime you are doing work or attaching something to a wall it is wise to have a solid grasp of what lies beneath the surface of your walls. If you are not comfortable with the task of cutting a hole in a wall perhaps it would be wise to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor to install this item in the wall for you. There are many factors that you should consider prior to beginning your shelf installation. SAFETY is the first and top priority. CAUTION!! Failure to follow and comply with these instructions could result in INJURY or even DEATH!!

Recommended Tools

These tools are not required to install your Liberty Home Concealment picture freame however they will help with the installation process. Stud Finder, tape measure, level, pencil, jigsaw, circular saw, keyhole saw, Sawzall, drill/driver, inspection mirror, flashlight and a second set of hands to help with marking your wall before cutting. These products were designed to work with "standard" 2X4 construction that was framed on 16" centers.

Step 1

Acquire all the tools to complete the job. Do not forget about proper personal protective gear.

Step 2

Confirm that your wall space is empty!! Failure to do so could result in serious injury or even death!

Step 3

Clean your work area around your desired install location. Cover any furniture with a tarp, drop cloth, or painter's plastic to aid in quick easy cleanup.

Step 4

Use a stud finder to locate the space between two studs. Confirm that you have 14.5" between the two stud edges before marking and cutting your walls.

Step 5

The back box of your picture frame is the size you need to make your hole. Hold picture frame tight against the wall and use your level to ensure frame is sitting level against the wall. On smaller sized picture frames such as 5"X7" and 8"X10" you will fasten to both studs. While holding the picture frame tight against the wall while checking for level and trace around the outside perimeter of the picture frames back box.

Step 6

Before cutting the entire wall opening Liberty Home Concealment recommends that you cut a small hole within the area that wil become the full-size hole. This is done to check and confirm your wall is truly clear of obstructions inside the wall such as electrical wiring plumbing. It's much easier to patch a small hole vs repairing a large hole because you got ahead of yourself. Do not skip this step!!

Step 7

Once you are sure that there are no obstacles inside your cut area, cut the full rectangle that you have marked previously. Remove drywall cutout away from the wall.

Step 8

Slide your new insert/picture frame into the hole you just cut.

Step 9

Use the supplied screws to fasten to the stud or studs that run up the sides of the rear of the box. On smaller frames box will only fasten to the stud you biased your hole towards.

Picture Installation

1. Lay frame face down on soft surface such as a towel or blanket. 2. Hold firmly and slide picture frame in to the open position. 3. Remove four metal picture retainer clips, if clips are tight use a flat bladed screw driver to wiggle free. 4. Remove wood backer noard and lay picture onto glass. Making sure of proper orientation. 5. Reinstall backer board and 4 retaining clips. 6. Slide picture frame closed and enjoy!

Wall maunting instructions for Freedom Series Coat Rack

Recommendation

Liberty Home Concealmemt does not recommend the use of hollow wall anchors to mount larger items on your walls. While anchors may provide sufficient holding capability, Liberty Home Concealment recommends attaching directly to the studs located inside your wall to ensure the most secure level of attachment.

Step 1

Choose the desired location of the item you are wanting to mount your coat rack.

Step 2

Once you have your ideal location use a stud finder to locate 2 studs in your wall that will support your coat rack. Mark the location of each stud's center with a pencil. Use a nail to confirm stud has been located.

Step 3

Hold product against wall and use level to make sure it is even. Use a friend to help hold level while transferring stud location marks to inside of product to be mounted. Tip: Remember the adage "Measure twice cut once." That same rule applies when making holes in your walls.

Step 4

Check that product is plumb and level before securing. Once proper placement is achieve fasten first screw through product and into stud. Re check for level and attach second screw into next stud.

Step 5

Step back and admire your handy work. Now get started filling your piece of concealment furniture with all the items you are wanting to keep stored securely out of sight. ENJOY!!

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