TexasCHLforum.com

I have a questions regarding transport of a firearm. I have a coworker that wants me to go shooting with on day at lunch. Since I dont have a CHL I would have to leave it locked up in the car all day. My company doesn't have a policy against it. I dont plan on getting pulled over but then again no one ever plans on getting pulled over. Can I get in trouble since I'm not going to and from the range? It would be locked up in a separate lockable container that would be in the trunk of the car.

The law says you cannot have a handgun on or about your person. In the trunk is not on or about your person.

If you were stopped and for some reason the police officer wanted to give you a hard time, and tossed your car, they could make it an issue. But if you keep your nose clean, you don't have to worry about it.

Actually, unless you live in Harris, Travis, or Dallas county, the police will respect your right to have a firearm in the passenger compartment.

- Jim

Wildscar wrote: It would be locked up in a separate lockable container that would be in the trunk of the car.

You shouldn't have a problem with the firearm secured in that manner.
If/When pulled over, inform the officer, but still shouldn't be an issue, because it is not in your immediate possesion.

pbandjelly wrote:If/When pulled over, inform the officer, but still shouldn't be an issue, because it is not in your immediate possesion.

You are not obligated to volunteer any information. I wouldn't.

If you feel compelled to inform the officer, don't say, "I have a gun."

- Jim

clarification: Jim, I agree wholeheartedly. What I should have said was that if the Ofc asks you, "Do you have any weapons in the vehicle, Mr Scar?"
otherwise, what he don't know, don't hurt you.

I too have this situation, where I meet a friend at the range on lunch break and have to commute to work with my firearm (unloaded, in the case, etc.). BUT, no CHL yet. (i stress yet!)

I have a different twist in my situation though... I commute to work on my motorcycle whenever the weather in nice. I ride with a backpack, and secure my pistol in the same fashion, only its not in a trunk, its in my backpack.

I try hard not to give a LEO a reason to pull me over, but I do wonder what would happen if they did. I've always planned to confess to them immediatly that I have a firearm on me and show them my membership card to the private range and explain my situation.

I guess its up to the individual LEO and his mood at that particular time?

Joker wrote:I guess its up to the individual LEO and his mood at that particular time?

That, and department policy. Some departments or counties want to be hard-line.

- Jim

Thanks for all the info. I wouldn't worry so much If I lived right by my work but I go from Forney to Arlington. Thats 42 miles to worry about. Guess I'll just tell him that we will have to get together when I can go stright to the range and home or untill I get my CHL.

It would help if you have a range bag, eye/ear protection, etc.

propellerhead wrote:It would help if you have a range bag, eye/ear protection, etc.

Sadly I dont have my own set of ear and eye protection. I ussally rent those at what ever range I go to. Dont have a range bag either. I kept the firearm in a Brinks firesafe.

Wildscar wrote:Thanks for all the info. I wouldn't worry so much If I lived right by my work but I go from Forney to Arlington. Thats 42 miles to worry about. Guess I'll just tell him that we will have to get together when I can go stright to the range and home or untill I get my CHL.

Good lord. A handgun in your trunk is not illegal.

Even on the RARE chance that a cop searched your trunk (when was the last time THAT happened) you are not violating ANY LAW.

txinvestigator wrote:

Wildscar wrote:Thanks for all the info. I wouldn't worry so much If I lived right by my work but I go from Forney to Arlington. Thats 42 miles to worry about. Guess I'll just tell him that we will have to get together when I can go stright to the range and home or untill I get my CHL.

Good lord. A handgun in your trunk is not illegal.

Even on the RARE chance that a cop searched your trunk (when was the last time THAT happened) you are not violating ANY LAW.

Thats why I ask. I didn't know the law. Now that I know there is no law againt it I wont worry about it any more. Didn't mean to get you head bangin on the wall.

What about if you have a truck with no trunk? Only a pax compartment? Locked case suffice?

txinvestigator wrote:Even on the RARE chance that a cop searched your trunk (when was the last time THAT happened) . . .

About half the troopers I see conducting a traffic stops on I-30 east or US-59 north are waist-deep in the trunk with the travelers' belongings piled out on the shoulder.

It's anecdotal and not statistical, and I have no idea whether the searches are based on PC or consent. But tossing the trunk is not an unusual thing.

Kevin

I wonder why the drivers consented.

KBCraig wrote:

txinvestigator wrote:Even on the RARE chance that a cop searched your trunk (when was the last time THAT happened) . . .

About half the troopers I see conducting a traffic stops on I-30 east or US-59 north are waist-deep in the trunk with the travelers' belongings piled out on the shoulder.

It's anecdotal and not statistical, and I have no idea whether the searches are based on PC or consent. But tossing the trunk is not an unusual thing.

Kevin