Texas Penal Code section 46.02(a-1), the Motorist Protection Act expanded by HB 1927, lets any adult legally entitled to possess a firearm carry a handgun inside their motor vehicle or watercraft. No permit is required, and the handgun may be loaded.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets adults legally entitled to possess a firearm keep a handgun in a vehicle or watercraft they own or control anywhere in Dallas County. The handgun may be loaded and within reach. It cannot be in plain view if the carrier is engaged in non-traffic criminal activity, belongs to a criminal street gang, or is otherwise federally or state-barred from firearms. Long guns may also be transported without a permit. Dallas County Sheriff deputies and constables follow state law during traffic stops; drivers should keep hands visible and answer questions honestly. Sensitive-place limits in Penal Code 46.03 still apply at destinations like the courthouse or schools.
Unlawful carrying in a vehicle by a prohibited person, gang member, or person committing a non-traffic crime is a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code 46.02, with fines up to four thousand dollars and up to one year in jail.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Garland, TX
Amplified sound in Garland is regulated under Chapter 32; sound 'plainly audible' more than 50 feet from the source after 10 PM is a violation.
Garland, TX
Garland restricts construction noise to daytime hours, with most loud work prohibited overnight and limited on Sundays under Chapter 32 of the Code of Ordina...
Garland, TX
Garland permits leaf blower use under its general noise ordinance, restricting operation to daytime hours with no specific gas-powered ban.
Garland, TX
Garland regulates noise from industrial uses along the I-30 and IH-635 corridors through zoning performance standards and the Code of Ordinances Chapter 32 n...
Garland, TX
Garland generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential areas, but restricts vehicles parked continuously in the same spot for more than 48-72 ho...
Garland, TX
Garland follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683, defining vehicles as junked or abandoned if inoperable, unregistered, wrecked, or left on public prope...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how Garland'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.