Carrying Concealed in a Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Carrying Concealed in a Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Carrying concealed on foot is one thing — carrying while you're behind the wheel is a whole different challenge. When you're sitting in a vehicle, you’re strapped in, your movement is limited, and your draw time can be affected by the layout of the seat, seatbelt, steering wheel, and center console. If you’re serious about concealed carry, you need a plan that works just as well sitting down as it does standing up.

At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we believe your gear — and your training — should be ready for real-world situations. That means understanding the realities of carrying in a vehicle and setting yourself up for success.

1. Access Is Everything

If you can’t reach your weapon quickly and safely while belted in, you might as well not have it at all. A carry setup that's perfect while walking around might not serve you well when you're locked into a seat. Inside a vehicle, you need a holster that:

• Allows a fast, clean draw while seated

• Doesn’t get tangled in the seatbelt

• Keeps your weapon secure through sudden stops or rough driving

Many serious carriers adjust their position when driving. Appendix carry (AIWB) often offers better access in a vehicle compared to strong-side hip carry, especially if your seatbelt crosses over your holster.

If you do carry strong-side, practice drawing under the seatbelt — or even better, practice lifting the seatbelt first before going for the gun. It’s a small move that can save precious seconds.

2. Consider a Dedicated Vehicle Setup

Some folks choose to carry a second firearm secured inside the vehicle — mounted in a specialized holster under the dash, attached to the center console, or secured between the seat and console.

While it offers fast access, you’ve got to think about two things:

• Retention: Your weapon must stay put if you have to slam on the brakes or get into a wreck.

• Legal issues: In many states, where and how you store a firearm in your vehicle can change what’s considered "concealed" or "properly stored." Always know your local laws.

A dedicated vehicle holster can be a smart move — but it’s never a replacement for a proper on-body carry system. If you’re ever forced out of your vehicle in a hurry, you don’t want your firearm left behind.

3. Seatbelts: Friend or Foe?

Seatbelts save lives. Period. You don't ditch your seatbelt to make carrying easier — you learn to work around it.

Practice unbuckling your seatbelt quickly, cleanly, and without thinking. Build the muscle memory so it becomes automatic under stress. Some folks tuck the lap belt slightly underneath the grip of their pistol for faster access (without compromising safety), while others modify their seatbelt setup with quick-release clips.

Find what works for you — and train with it.

4. Stay Concealed, Stay Legal

Some states have specific laws about how a firearm must be carried in a vehicle. In many places, as long as it's concealed on your person and you have a valid permit, you're good to go. But other states require the firearm to be unloaded, locked, or stored separately if it’s not physically on your body.

Before you cross state lines — or even county lines — make sure you know the rules. A wrong move could cost you a lot more than a fine.

5. Mind Your Surroundings

When you're stopped at a gas station, parking garage, or anywhere else where strangers might be nearby, pay extra attention. Getting in and out of a vehicle can easily expose your firearm if you're not careful.

Keep your cover garment (jacket, hoodie, shirt) in mind. Adjust as needed before opening the door. Situational awareness matters just as much in the driver's seat as it does on foot — maybe even more.

Bottom Line

Carrying concealed in a vehicle demands a little extra thought, the right gear, and consistent training. Your holster, your carry position, and your awareness all need to work together.

At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we build holsters tough enough to handle real-world carry — sitting, standing, driving, or fighting. Because when you need it most, your gear should never hold you back.

Train hard. Carry smart. Stay ready.