Texas Carry Tips for Vehicle Carry

In Texas, the laws governing carrying a gun in your car are relatively permissive, but there are still important rules to follow. Here's an overview: Unlicensed Carry in a Vehicle:
- As of September 1, 2021, Texas law allows most individuals 21 and older to carry a handgun in their vehicle without a license, thanks to the "constitutional carry" law (HB 1927).
- The firearm must be concealed or not in plain view if not carried on the person.
- Those with a License to Carry (LTC) can carry a handgun openly or concealed in their vehicle. Open carry in a vehicle requires the handgun to be in a holster.
- Even with constitutional carry or an LTC, certain places remain off-limits for carrying a firearm. This includes schools, polling places, courtrooms, and secured areas of airports, among others. However, with a LTC your firearm may remain in your vehicle, concealed and in the parking area of the building. But you may not enter those building with a firearm.
- It is illegal to carry a firearm while intoxicated. The law defines intoxication as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the introduction of substances or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. However, with your LTC you are allowed to consume alcohol with your firearm if not impaired.
- The firearm can be kept in the glove compartment or console, as long as it is concealed from plain view if not carried on the person.
- If stopped by law enforcement, it’s generally advisable to inform the officer if you have a firearm in the vehicle to avoid misunderstandings. LTC holders are required to present their license upon request.