Summary — HB 167: Firearm in Unattended Vehicle / Safely Store
Status & Key Dates
- Bill number: HB 167
- Short title: Firearm in Unattended Vehicle / Safely Store
- Primary sponsors (NC version): Reps. Morey, Lopez, Logan, Longest
- Status (provided): Passed 1st Reading
- Effective date (as written): December 1, 2025 (applies to offenses committed on or after that date)
Purpose
- To reduce the risk of firearm theft, unauthorized use, and accidents by making it unlawful to leave a firearm in an unattended motor vehicle unless specified security conditions are met.
What the bill would do (key provisions)
- New criminal prohibition (adds a section to Article 35 of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes):
- It is unlawful to leave a “firearm” (as defined in G.S. 14‑408.1) in an unattended motor vehicle unless BOTH of the following are true:
1. The vehicle is locked; and
2. The firearm is either
- secured with a trigger lock or other safety device designed to prevent unauthorized operation, or
- kept in a locked container.
- Penalty: Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Who is affected
- Individuals who possess or transport firearms in motor vehicles — e.g., private vehicle owners, drivers who carry or transport firearms (hunters, traveling firearms owners, contractors, etc.).
- Law enforcement agencies (responsible for enforcing the new misdemeanor).
- Retailers and manufacturers of firearm locks, containers, and related storage devices (potential increased demand).
- Employers, parking-facility operators, and vehicle rental companies may be indirectly affected as firearm-carrying individuals adjust storage or transport practices.
Notable omissions / legal interactions
- The text references the statutory definition of “firearm” (G.S. 14‑408.1); it does not, in the language shown, expressly carve out exceptions (for on-duty law enforcement, permissive owner consent, vehicles under direct control, or other categories). Any such exceptions would need to be located elsewhere in statute or added by amendment.
- The bill creates criminal liability (Class 2 misdemeanor) but does not provide civil remedies or specify administrative penalties.
Potential impacts
- Public safety: likely intended to reduce thefts, accidental discharges, and unauthorized access to firearms left in vehicles.
- Compliance burden: firearm owners may need to obtain and use trigger locks, lockboxes, or locked containers and ensure vehicles are locked whenever unattended.
- Enforcement: police would have discretion to investigate and cite violations; prosecutorial practices and local enforcement priorities will shape how often the misdemeanor is charged.
Procedural / next steps
- As of “Passed 1st Reading,” the bill would proceed through committee review, additional readings, and votes in the legislative chamber(s) before becoming law (subject to any amendments and gubernatorial action). If enacted as drafted, the law would take effect December 1, 2025.
