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.
College Station, TX
College Station prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged an...
College Station, TX
College Station regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in ...
College Station, TX
College Station regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street park...
College Station, TX
College Station requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching ga...
College Station, TX
College Station requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
College Station, TX
College Station restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and...
See how College Station's firearms in vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.