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).
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.
