imported post
RCW 9.41.050
Carrying firearms.
(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii)OR the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) OR the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
I only copyed the revelant portion. Basicaly the WSP officer is not up to speed and wrong. Quit asking LEOs for advice, you will mostly get incorrect answers. The three conditions are 1. On your person. 2. Anywhere in the vehicle while you are in the vehicle.3.hidden from view and the vehicle locked with you away from the vehicle.
On long drives I often put my weapon on the passenger seat or in the center console especialy when OCing. My XD 5 in tactical gets in the way of the seat belt.
One note of caution do not leave a weapon locked in your car with anyone that does not have a CPL. A good example of this would be you go to the post office, leave weapon in the car with your wife/friend/adult kid, doors locked, wife/friend/adult kid does not have CPLthey now have a concealed weapon and no CPL.
Orphan