[JudyKayTee]

I'm sorry - did someone ask if this might be a violation of Federal Law?

[AK lawyer]

...
apologize if I offended you.

None taken.

The difference is this:

What you first posted suggested that someone would be breaking the law if he had a firearm in his vehicle, unless certain exceptions apply. Not so.

The law that you and I nailed down is the concealed weapon/ concealed carry permit statute for Virginia. It states that (absent a CC permit or other exceptions) it is illegal to carry a weapon, concealed, and "about the person".

First, the law as quoted clearly does not prohibit the transport of a weapon in plain view (as in a gun rack in the back window of a pickup, for example), as you first suggested.

Now, it is arguable that a firearm hidden in a vehicle but in easy reach of the driver (glove box, under the seat, etc.) would be "about the person". I would argue that is not what it means. However, out of caution, some legislator added the specific exceptions you noted. But I suggest that if it is not on the person other places in the vehicle would be legal even if not covered by those specific exceptions.

It is unfortunate that OP has not seen fit to come back and give us the juicy details.

[AK lawyer]

I'm sorry - did someone ask if this might be a violation of Federal Law?

Not likely unless OP was, when arrested, a convicted felon; the weapons were fully automatic or otherwise prohibited weapons; or OP was stopped on a Federal reservation..