Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an element of carrying a concealed weapon?

1. Visible to all

2. On or about the person

3. Belonging to another

4. Locked in the trunk

The correct answer is: On or about the person

Carrying a concealed weapon is primarily defined by the location and accessibility of the weapon in relation to the person. To be considered "concealed," the weapon must be on or about the person in a manner that is not immediately observable to an average person. This means that just having the weapon in a bag or under clothing is sufficient—what matters is that it is under the control of the individual while hidden from view. Options that suggest visibility, such as being "visible to all," contradict the very definition of "concealed." Similarly, mentioning that a weapon belongs to another person or is locked in the trunk implies a lack of direct control that is required for defining the concealed carrying offense. Therefore, "on or about the person" aligns perfectly with the legal criteria set out for carrying a concealed weapon.