Firearms in Vehicles: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do firearms in vehicles rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 allows lawful adults to carry handguns in private vehicles or watercraft if not in plain view, gang-related, or possessed by a prohibited person. Fort Worth cannot impose additional vehicle restrictions.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Penal Code 46.02(a-1) | Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.02 |
| Minimum age | 21 (18 active military) | - |
| Plain view rule | Concealed unless LTC holder | - |
| Local preemption | Gov Code 229.001 | - |
| Long guns | Generally unrestricted | - |
| Plain View | - | Holstered display permitted |
| Minimum Age | - | 21 years old |
| Long Guns | - | Generally unrestricted in vehicles |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Do I need a License to Carry to keep a handgun in my car in Texas?
No. Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets non-prohibited adults 21 or older carry a handgun in their own vehicle without a License to Carry, provided it stays out of plain view and they are not engaged in disqualifying criminal activity.
Can a Texas city pass a stricter vehicle-carry ordinance?
No. Government Code Section 229.001 preempts municipal firearm regulation, so Texas cities and counties cannot adopt vehicle-carry rules stricter than Penal Code 46.02 except in narrow categories the statute itself allows.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my car in Fort Worth?
Yes, if you are 21 or older, lawfully able to possess firearms, not gang-affiliated, and the handgun is concealed or carried in a holster. No state license is required for this.
Can my employer ban guns in my car at work?
Generally no for parking lots open to employees. Texas Labor Code Section 52.061 protects employees storing legally owned firearms in locked private vehicles, with limited exceptions for certain regulated workplaces.
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