Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed compartment lawful without a permit; localities are preempted by Code 15.2-915.
Under Code 18.2-308, concealed carry of a handgun in a vehicle is unlawful unless the carrier holds a Virginia concealed handgun permit or fits within an exemption. A statutory exemption allows secured transportation if the handgun is placed in a personal, private motor vehicle and concealed inside a container or compartment such as a glove box, console, or locked case. Open carry of handguns and lawfully possessed long guns inside vehicles is generally lawful for adults who are not prohibited possessors. Code 15.2-915 preempts localities from adding extra vehicle-carry rules, ensuring uniform statewide standards aside from federal facilities, schools, courthouses, and other statutorily restricted places.
Carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit and outside the container exception is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Code 18.2-308, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Subsequent violations within five years are Class 6 felonies.
Richmond, VA
Richmond's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politica...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's P...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Real restrictions arise from HOA and condo covenants under ...
Richmond, VA
Outdoor kitchens in Richmond require separate trade permits from PDR Building Permits: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lin...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit re...
Richmond, VA
Richmond enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooki...
See how Richmond's firearms in vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.