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California Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)

Conditional: Without a California carry license, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or in a locked container.

ConditionalVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Without a California carry license, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or in a locked container. The glove box and utility compartments do not count, even when locked, so do not rely on a center console. An out-of-state permit changes nothing. When you carry the handgun to or from the vehicle, it must stay unloaded and inside a locked container. The exemption is written for U.S. citizens over 18 who may lawfully have a firearm.

Official source: oag.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Transporting Firearms in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaConditional
At 21 or older, if you may lawfully possess a handgun, you may carry it loaded in your vehicle, openly or concealed, with no permit. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaPermitted
Nevada has no vehicle-specific handgun rule. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
OregonConditional
Without an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL), a concealed handgun that is readily accessible in a vehicle is a crime. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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