Handguns in unattended motor vehicle; definitions, penalty.

The penalty for violating the storage rule changed from a Class 4 misdemeanor (criminal) to a civil penalty of up to $500.

A violation of this section now allows law enforcement to deem the vehicle illegally parked and subject to removal.

All fines collected under the new section must be paid into the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund.

The definition of the subject vehicle changed from a broad 'vehicle' (including boats) to a specific 'unattended motor vehicle' left on public property where the owner cannot observe it.

The previous provision allowing individuals with disabilities to store handguns in locked soft-sided containers was removed.

The storage rule now explicitly prohibits leaving a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle if it is visible to anyone outside the vehicle.

The exemption for law enforcement officers was removed from the text.

The definition of 'handgun' was changed from a specific list (pistol or revolver) to a reference of the broader state definition of 'firearm,' potentially broadening the types of weapons covered.

The requirement for secure storage was tightened by removing glove compartments and center consoles from the list of acceptable locked containers.

A new exemption was added for people with disabilities, allowing them to store handguns in locked soft-sided containers in unattended locked vehicles.

The exemption for law enforcement officers was reworded to apply to anyone lawfully carrying a firearm on their person, rather than just the specific officer title.

The definition of 'handgun' was broadened to include any pistol, revolver, or other firearm originally designed to be fired from one hand, removing the previous barrel length restriction.

A new definition for 'unattended vehicle' was added, specifying that a vehicle is unattended if the owner or passenger cannot observe it on public property or in commercial parking areas.

The requirement for secure storage was clarified to explicitly state that a locked glove compartment or locked center console affixed to the vehicle interior counts as a locked hard-sided container.

The exemption for persons with disabilities was removed from the final enrolled version, meaning the law now applies uniformly to all individuals regardless of disability status.

The exemption for individuals carrying a firearm on their person was removed, meaning the storage requirement applies even if the person is wearing the firearm.

The definition of 'handgun' was updated to explicitly include revolvers and any firearm with a barrel length of less than 16 inches.

A new exemption was added for individuals who have reported the theft or loss of a firearm to a law enforcement agency.

The requirement for a permanently affixed container was removed for glove compartments and center consoles, which are now explicitly listed as acceptable secure storage locations.