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.
See how Fate'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.