California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
Penal Code 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle unless the person holds a valid CCW license or qualifies for a statutory exemption. Penal Code 25850 makes it unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle on a public street or in a public place within an incorporated city. Under Penal Code 25610, a non-prohibited person may transport an unloaded handgun in a motor vehicle only if it is in a locked container or the locked trunk. Long guns may be transported unloaded without a locked container in most cases but cannot be loaded. These rules apply uniformly statewide and override any inconsistent local vehicle-carry ordinance under Government Code 53071.
Violations of Penal Code 25400 or 25850 are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in county jail, with felony enhancement available for prior convictions or aggravating factors.
See how San Francisco's firearms in vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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