The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate have passed legislation that sets new standards for storing handguns in unattended motor vehicles. House Bill 110 provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle when the handgun is visible to any person outside the vehicle. A violation of this provision results in a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars. The unattended motor vehicle may also be subject to removal for safekeeping.
The bill was sponsored by Delegate Amy Laufer. It moved through the House of Delegates and the Senate during the two thousand twenty six session. After conference committee negotiations, Governor Abbie Spanberger signed it into law on April thirteenth, two thousand twenty six. The law is known as Chapter five hundred sixty of the Acts of Assembly and will become effective on July first, two thousand twenty six. It adds a new section to the Code of Virginia numbered eighteen point two dash three hundred eight point seven colon one, which addresses handguns in unattended motor vehicles, and amends section eighteen point two dash two hundred eighty three point two.
The legislation includes exemptions for law enforcement officers, antique firearms, and individuals who report the theft or loss of the handgun to law enforcement. These exemptions limit the application of the penalty in specific situations.
Several members of the General Assembly raised concerns during the process about the impact of the bill on citizens who keep handguns in their vehicles for protection. They noted that the civil penalty and possible towing create additional requirements for lawful firearm owners that did not exist previously. Public comments submitted during committee hearings included statements that the rules punish law abiding residents and add burdens to the exercise of personal security measures. Some comments described the provisions as interfering with rights protected by the Constitution.
During conference committee discussions, an early version included language that would have exempted vehicles parked in the legislative parking structure for members of the General Assembly. Senator Richard Stuart objected to this, indicating that elected officials should not receive special treatment different from other citizens. The final bill approved by the House and Senate did not include this exemption language, applying the rules uniformly.
Critics of the legislation have pointed out that it restricts the ways in which individuals can maintain access to a handgun in their vehicle for self defense. In areas where personal protection is a priority, keeping a firearm readily available without visibility from outside requires adjustments to storage methods, such as using compartments or covers. The potential for vehicle removal adds a practical cost and inconvenience that opponents say affects daily life for many Virginians.
The new code section formalizes the prohibition on visible handguns in unattended vehicles, filling what was previously an unregulated area in the law. Opponents argue that this change complicates previously legal practices without sufficient justification. They emphasize the importance of allowing citizens to make their own decisions regarding firearm storage in private vehicles to ensure safety.
As the effective date of July first, two thousand twenty six approaches, residents who transport handguns will need to ensure compliance by keeping the firearm out of sight from the exterior of the vehicle. Failure to do so could lead to the civil fine and towing, which may result in additional expenses and disruptions.
The legislative history shows that the bill received consideration in committees including Public Safety and Appropriations, where input from the public was received. Multiple comments opposed the measure, citing concerns over its effects on firearm owners and constitutional protections. The process involved votes in both chambers, with adjustments made to the conference report before final passage.
This legislation represents a new requirement in Virginia law regarding firearm visibility in parked vehicles. Viewpoints opposing the bill highlight the added responsibilities placed on gun owners and the potential limitation on self defense options. The removal of the proposed legislator exemption addressed some questions of fairness raised during debate. Overall, the bill imposes civil consequences for leaving a visible handgun in an unattended motor vehicle under the specified conditions.
The bill’s text specifies the definition of an unattended motor vehicle and the conditions under which a handgun is considered visible. These details ensure clarity in enforcement by law enforcement officers. The civil penalty is not a criminal charge, distinguishing it from more severe violations in the code.
Furthermore, the authority for vehicle removal for safekeeping is intended to prevent further issues, but opponents have expressed worry that this could be applied in situations where the owner is not present to address the matter immediately. This aspect of the law could lead to situations where vehicles are towed even for minor visibility issues.
Public records indicate that the bill was part of the session’s activities in early two thousand twenty six, with key actions in February when public comments were gathered. The opposition comments often stressed that existing laws on firearm theft and misuse are adequate, and new rules should not target law abiding behavior.
By adding the section to the code, the legislation creates a specific framework for this type of storage issue. Lawmakers who opposed it argued that it represents an unnecessary expansion of regulations on personal property rights when it comes to firearms. They advocated for focusing resources on preventing crimes rather than regulating the storage habits of compliant citizens.
The signed version of the bill ensures that the provisions apply starting July first, allowing time for education and adjustment by those affected. Arguments against the bill center on the principle that individuals should have the freedom to store their property in their vehicles as they see fit, provided it does not involve illegal activity.
