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In my opinion, if a teenager is mature enough to pilot a 2-ton vehicle that can go 100 MPH, she is mature enough to handle a firearm. The U.S. Army used to agree, until about 50 years ago.

However, as I said above, some police officers are going to arrest if they find a teenager with a handgun in the car, especially in Harris County.

A 17-year-old is going to be held to the same standard as an adult in the use of deadly force, so it's important for her to understand the seriousness of carrying. I think it would be wise for her to take the NRA handgun safety course and personal protection outside the home, not to forget Charles Cotton's use of deadly force seminar. That would really rock a teenage girl back on her heels.

Then there's the thing about learning to keep her lips zipped ...

- Jim

You can take that approach. You will probably get the charges dropped. But yer going to jail, and yer gonna make a couple of boat payments for a lawyer.

- JIm

I think it's legal, but I am not a lawyer and not qualified to give legal advice.

If I had a child that age, I would be nervous about the situation. It is an untested area of law. Some police officers don't know that the law has changed.

I also think that anyone carrying a weapon has to be trained both in how to use it and the legal principles of the use of deadly force.

Having teenage passengers in the vehicle adds another factor of potential irresponsibility. I remember when I was that age. The "friend of a friend" could be a load of trouble.

No one is required to inform an officer that they are armed. The officer can ask, in which case the person can say Yes, or "I decline to answer that question," or nothing at all.

- Jim

Yes. For every other purpose, it doesn't matter if it is loaded or unloaded or whether it is capable of functioning.

- Jim

Don't feel bad. You asked about an 18-year-old. There's no question that an 18-year-old can legally carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle.

He needs to be aware that if he commits any offense other than a class C traffic offense, he is then open to a charge of unlawful carry. That would include DWI and disorderly conduct (for example, swearing at another driver).

- Jim

Yes, but I am not confident that every police officer in Texas has received the memo.

- Jim