In an offense involving carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft owned by the person, when is the act NOT an offense because of an exception related to visibility and licensing?

• A. The handgun is in plain view while the person is under 21 and not licensed
• B. The handgun is not in plain view
• C. The handgun is in plain view and the person is 21 or older or licensed, and the handgun is in a holster
• D. The handgun is not on the person

Answer: (C)

Open carry in a vehicle owned by you is allowed under a specific exception when the handgun is in plain view, the person is 21 years or older or licensed, and the handgun is in a holster. This combination matches the statutory condition that lets you carry openly without it counting as the offense.

Why this fits best: being 21 or older (or licensed) makes the carrier legally eligible to possess and carry, the weapon being in plain view signals it’s not concealed, and the holster ensures it’s carried in a safe, permitted way. When these elements align, the act isn’t an offense because the exception applies.

If the handgun isn’t in plain view, or the person is under 21 and not licensed, or the weapon isn’t in a holster, the exception does not apply, and the conduct could be an offense. If the weapon isn’t on the person, the scenario doesn’t involve “carrying” in the first place, so the exception isn’t triggered.