Vehicle Safes in South Africa: Secure Temporary Firearm Storage While Travelling

A properly installed car safe or vehicle firearm safe is designed to keep a firearm secured and out of sight when it is not under the direct personal control of the licence holder.

What is a vehicle firearm safe?

A vehicle firearm safe is a purpose-designed safe that is permanently secured to the vehicle and intended for the temporary storage of firearms and ammunition.

Under SANS 953-1, a Type B3 firearm safe is specifically described as a lighter safe intended for the temporary storage of firearms and ammunition in motor vehicles and caravans.

This makes a compliant car gun safe different from an ordinary portable security box or lockable container. The safe, its locking mechanism and its installation must meet the applicable requirements.

What does South African firearm law require?

The Firearms Control Act provides that firearms and ammunition must be stored and transported in the prescribed manner.

The Firearms Control Regulations further provide that, when a firearm is not under the direct personal and physical control of the licence holder, it must generally be stored in a safe or strongroom that conforms to the applicable SABS standards, unless a specific provision applies.

For a vehicle installation, the requirements include securing the safe to the floor or body of the vehicle and positioning it in a non-conspicuous manner. An installation certificate is also required, recording details such as the vehicle and confirming that the vehicle is equipped with an immobiliser.

A temporary safe is not a replacement for your home firearm safe

One of the most important points to understand is that a vehicle safe is intended for temporary storage.

A Type B3 vehicle safe is designed for situations where a firearm needs to be securely stored in a vehicle for a period of time. It should not be regarded as a replacement for the compliant firearm safe required for permanent storage at your residence.

In other words, a temporary safe provides an additional layer of security when travelling; it does not eliminate the need for appropriate firearm storage at home.

Why installation matters

Buying a compliant vehicle safe is only part of the process. Correct installation is equally important.

SANS 953-1 requires a safe installed in a vehicle to be permanently secured and affixed non-conspicuously to the floor or body of the vehicle. The installation must also be documented by the installer.

This is why firearm owners should consider using an installer familiar with the requirements for vehicle firearm safes rather than simply placing a portable safe in the boot or under a seat.

A loose safe does not provide the same level of security or compliance as a properly installed vehicle safe.

Choosing the right car safe

When choosing a car safe for a firearm, consider more than the size of the safe.

• Compliance with the applicable SANS 953-1 requirements
• A suitable Type B3 configuration for vehicle use
• Secure attachment to the vehicle
• A concealed or non-conspicuous installation location
• A reliable locking mechanism
• An appropriate installation certificate
• A design suitable for the firearm being stored
• Installation by someone familiar with vehicle safe requirements

Manufacturers such as Pangolin offer vehicle handgun and long-arm safes designed specifically around the requirements for temporary firearm storage in vehicles.

Secure storage when you cannot carry

A properly installed vehicle firearm safe can provide firearm owners with a practical solution when they need to leave their firearm securely stored in their vehicle for a temporary period.

The key is to remember that compliance involves the safe, installation and circumstances of use — not simply purchasing a lockable box.

For South African firearm owners, understanding the requirements of the Firearms Control Act, Firearms Control Regulations and SANS 953-1 is an important part of responsible firearm ownership.