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.
Section 46.02(a-1) of the Texas Penal Code, often called the Motorist Protection Act, allows persons 21 or older (or 18+ active military) who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a handgun in a vehicle or watercraft they own or control. The handgun must not be in plain view unless the carrier holds a License to Carry. The carrier may not be a member of a criminal street gang or engaged in criminal activity beyond a Class C traffic or boating offense. Long guns are generally unrestricted in vehicles. Local Texas governments cannot enact stricter vehicle-carry rules; firearm regulation is preempted by Government Code Section 229.001.
Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon under Penal Code 46.02 is generally a Class A misdemeanor; carrying onto premises licensed for alcohol sales or while intoxicated can elevate the offense to a third-degree felony.
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