I contacted Jim from Self Defense CWP who replied with:
SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions.
It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:
(9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver’s license, registration, or proof of insurance;
I would fully expect the Officer to enforce this "word for word".....I will admit there IS some confusion on the street among the Peace Officers about the wording. However, this is EXACTLY what the current law is regarding your question.
SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions.
It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or
not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:
(9)
a person in a vehicle if the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment,
closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral
fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however,
this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened
in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving
a driver’s license, registration, or proof of insurance;
That was part of the omnibus bill H.3292, which as we all know is dead for now. You are in fact mistaken about where concealable weapons can be carried in a vehicle.If I'm not mistaken SC recently updated the car carry law to allow for carry in places that are NOT closed and fastened. I believe it is now legal to carry your firearm in places like the door pouch/pocket, car holster AND under the seat; IF YOU HAVE A "VALID" SC CWP. (However, I could be wrong. I wish I could remember the "Bill" number so I could go look it up.)
Of course the rub comes in when you have someone else in your car that does NOT have a valid CWP. It would be possible for them to get into trouble if they had immediate access to a weapon.
Otherwise, you must carry according to the above post by lukem.
Really? I think you're mistaken. What bill was that? A link would be dandy.While the exemptions were part of the way to sweeping H.3292 there was a bill passed last year to clear up some of the ambigutity. Previously the law could have read that even a CWP holder had to put the gun in the console or glovebox. The new bill that was passed to clarified that a CWP holder could carry it on themselves. A peice of legislation needed to address the complete lack of common sense by people who interpert everything like a robot. I will pass on my alcohol is restaurant carry rant at this time. A similar bill was passed to clarify that a CWP owner could have a gun in his car on school property BUT that must be off the body.
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