OK, so I'm guilty of getting slightly (but very closely related) off-topic here:WildBill wrote:Going back to the original question of the thread I would conclude that if the person were stopped by an officer and they were asked to exit the vehicle and the officer saw the handgun in a holster under the steering column or
in front of the seat it would be a "legal search" and the driver could be arrested for having an unconcealed firearm.
Some forum members think that a handgun is concealed only if it not is clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle. I don't think that is true. Read the above quote.
I am sure that one of the LEOs or lawyers on the forum can provide more clarity on this issue.
Regarding your text that I highlighted in red above...
If I were to keep my gun tucked in my Remora holster between my 60/40 bench seat, between my thigh and the armrest console, then it's completely invisible. If I am asked to step out, then it becomes instantly visible. Of course, I'd let the officer know that I'll be happy to step out, but in doing so, I'll be unconcealing my Sig between the seats.
Or if I were to get out in the rain, and asked if I can take my raincoat that's covering a gun in the passenger seat (or can the officer hand it to me after I get out so that I don't reach toward my gun).
Both of these seem to be the same as if I were sitting with it in a 'front of the seat' holster that's well hidden under my leg, but very visible if I step out.
I cannot imagine that any of these would be cause for an arrest (assuming, of course that I keep a proactive line of communication with the LEO that I'll be glad to follow his directions, but doing so will cause me to unconceal).