I'm sure this has been asked: Carrying in car...

[trig]

I can't find the info, but I know I've seen it around here.

I've been planning on getting my CHL for a while, but still haven't found time to get up to the training center. I am however, going to be purchasing my first (maybe second, too) handgun within the next month or two, so I was searching for info on carrying in the car in the mean time. I know with long guns, it's pretty relaxed, but I'm not sure on what's allowed as far as loaded pistol in the center console or what not.

I know they have the whole "traveling" thing, but how far does that really get me. I don't want any surprises when the GF driving the car with hers or anything.

Other than that, I won't be doing anything wrong in my car, so I guess I'm just wondering how far the law stretches for the mostly law abiding.




So, anywhere in laymans terms I can find this info?

[Purplehood]

Read the Motorist Protection Act. It applies directly to what you are asking.

[trig]

Thanks.

I've read that before, and have a general understanding of it (just saw the plain view part, though ), but I thought there was somewhere that clarified loaded/unloaded. I assume that if I'm following the law, I'm on/in my "premises" so I should be able to have it loaded just like at home, correct?

[Purplehood]

It can be loaded in your vehicle. Otherwise there is no point to it.

EDIT: The wording of the act does not mention "loaded", so it is not an offense.

[trig]

Thanks, that's what I figured, lol.

[Mike from Texas]

A more direct answer to your question is you can carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in your vehicle as long as it is concealed, you are legally allowed to own a firearm and are not in the commission of a crime above a Class C misdemeanor and are not engaged in gang activity.

The verbiage is probably not verbatim but it's pretty close.

[bdickens]

Texas does not differentiate between "loaded" and "unloaded" firearms.

[mred]

CHL will take some worries away vs. MPA. I advise go to the training center. It's worth it.

[trig]

Oh we will be getting CHL's. Just waiting till we have a spare day.

[CompVest]

You'll never get a spare day if you are like most people! You just have to pick a date and don't let anything become more important..

[Drewthetexan]

I put it off for 4 months until I just "did it". I'm a full-time college student and I work full-time, so I had plenty of excuses not to. I felt good about getting it out of the way after the fact, even though it cost me a whole day.

[slowrey]

I too put it off for 4 years and finally I "made" a spare day and did it. Funny those 3 months of waiting seemed like forever and I could have smacked myself for not motivating myself much earlier.

[USA1]

Funny those 3 months of waiting seemed like forever and I could have smacked myself for not motivating myself much earlier.

its true .

i always think "if you wanted it by now , you should have applied sooner "

i'm as guilty as anyone .