Texas’ Firearms in Vehicles Law

Texas has some of the most firearm-friendly laws in the country, but that doesn’t mean there are no rules. One area that often trips people up is carrying guns in vehicles. Can you have a loaded handgun in your car? Do you need a license? What if you get pulled over? These are questions that come up every day, especially for drivers who want to stay on the right side of the law.

In this article, we’ll walk through the current Texas laws around firearms in vehicles. Whether you’re a new gun owner, someone concerned about a recent arrest, or just trying to keep your family safe and legal, this guide breaks it all down.

Texas and Firearms

Texas has long supported the right to bear arms. In 2021, the state expanded those rights further with a new constitutional carry law, officially known as permitless carry. This means most adults in Texas can carry a handgun in public and in their vehicles without a license, as long as they meet some basic conditions.

This change created a lot of confusion, especially around where and how a firearm can be stored or carried in a car. So let’s start where most people do: behind the wheel.

Carrying a Firearm in Your Vehicle

Under Texas Penal Code §46.02, you’re generally allowed to carry a handgun in your vehicle without a License to Carry (LTC), so long as:

• You are 21 or older (18+ if you’re active-duty military).

• The gun is not in plain view (unless you have an LTC).

• You are not prohibited from owning a firearm (e.g., due to a felony conviction).

• You are not committing a separate criminal offense at the time.

That last one is important. If you’re transporting a firearm while committing a crime, even a nonviolent one unrelated to the gun—that could turn something legal into a chargeable offense.

Your car is considered an extension of your home under Texas law. That gives you similar rights of possession and protection but also similar responsibilities.

Plain View vs. Concealed

One of the biggest misunderstandings is what “not in plain view” actually means.

If the gun is sitting out on the seat or visible from outside the car, that’s plain view, and it’s illegal unless you have an LTC and the gun is in a belt or shoulder holster.

If it’s tucked away in your glove compartment, center console, under a seat, or a closed bag, that counts as concealed, which is legal under the permitless carry rules.

Is It Legal to Have a Loaded Firearms in the Vehicle?

In Texas, there’s no requirement to keep a gun unloaded in your car. You can carry a loaded handgun legally as long as it follows the same rules—concealed, you’re legally allowed to own it, and you’re not engaged in criminal activity.

The same goes for long guns like rifles or shotguns. Texas allows open carry of long guns in vehicles, although it’s wise to keep them in a case or trunk to avoid causing alarm during a traffic stop.

What Happens During a Traffic Stop?

Getting pulled over with a firearm in the car can be stressful, even if you’re within your rights. Here’s what you need to know:

• You’re not legally required to inform the officer that you have a firearm (unless asked).

• But voluntarily disclosing it, calmly and clearly, is often the best move—especially if the firearm is accessible.

Staying calm, respectful, and clear helps avoid misunderstandings that could escalate.

Gun-Free Rules in Certain Places

Even though Texas allows you to carry a gun in your car, there are exceptions—and they’re important.

1. School Zones

Federal law prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of a school, even inside your vehicle, unless you have a valid LTC. Without a license, this could lead to federal charges.

2. Employer Parking Lots

Texas law lets employees keep firearms in their locked vehicles at work, even if the company has a no-gun policy. But your employer can still take disciplinary action under company rules—so know the difference between what’s legal and what’s allowed at work.

3. Federal and Private Property

You cannot have a gun in your vehicle on federal property, like post office parking lots. And if a business has a visible 30.05, 30.06, or 30.07 sign, they’ve exercised their right to prohibit firearms—even in cars parked on their property.

Firearms While Traveling Across State Lines

Texas law ends at the border. If you’re driving to another state, the rules change.

Some states have strict transport laws that require guns to be:

• Unloaded

• Locked in a case

• Separated from ammunition

Federal law (under the Firearm Owners Protection Act) offers limited protection when transporting guns between legal locations, but that doesn’t cover everything. Always check the destination state’s firearm laws before traveling.

Texas Violation of Firearms Law

Violating Texas firearms law—even by accident—can carry serious consequences.

Common issues that lead to charges:

• Gun in plain view without an LTC

• Carrying a firearm while intoxicated (yes, that includes having a few beers with your gun in the car)

• Possession by a prohibited person

• Possession on school property

Charges can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, depending on the circumstances.

Arrested? Don’t Plea, Call Me!

Knowing your rights as a gun owner in Texas is just the beginning—knowing how to exercise them legally and safely is what truly protects you. While Texas law gives you the ability to carry a firearm in your vehicle without a license, small mistakes—like improper storage or entering restricted areas—can quickly turn into serious legal trouble.

If you’ve been charged with a firearm-related offense or have questions about what’s legal in your specific situation, don’t take chances. The law is full of gray areas, and how your case is handled could affect your future, your freedom, and your right to carry.

At Texas Criminal Defense Group, we’ve helped thousands of Texans navigate gun charges with skill and strategy. Our gun defense attorneys know the law, understand the stakes, and fight hard to protect your rights.