Seattle, WA Firearms: Firearms in Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 9.41.050
- Loaded handgun
- Requires CPL
- Long guns
- Must be unloaded
- Penalty
- Gross misdemeanor
Summary
Under RCW 9.41.050, you may not carry a loaded pistol in a vehicle in Washington without a Concealed Pistol License. Long guns must be unloaded. Seattle follows state rules without supplemental restrictions.
RCW 9.41.050 — Carrying firearms. (1)(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol. (b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction. (2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle. (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor. (3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle. (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor. (4) Nothing in this section permits the possession of firearms illegal to possess under state or federal law.
Full Breakdown
RCW 9.41.050 prohibits carrying a loaded handgun in any vehicle unless the carrier holds a valid CPL or qualifies for a narrow exemption (law enforcement, military, hunting on private land). Without a CPL, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and stored in a closed compartment, glove box, or trunk separate from ammunition. Long guns (rifles, shotguns) must always be unloaded in a vehicle on public roads. Loaded long guns in vehicles may be a felony under RCW 77.15.460. Seattle does not impose city-specific vehicle-carry rules due to state preemption. The state criminal code controls during traffic stops.
Violations & Fines
Loaded pistol in vehicle without CPL: gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days jail and $5,000. Loaded long gun in vehicle: gross misdemeanor or felony if hunting-related (RCW 77.15.460).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a loaded pistol in my car glove box?
What about a rifle in my truck?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington firearms overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.