Guns in Vehicles in Texas (2024)

Last updated January 5, 2023 .

Texas has no laws regarding the carrying of long guns (rifles or shotguns) in motor vehicles.

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Texas law generally restricts people from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly openly carrying handguns in plain view of other people in motor vehicles and watercraft that they own or under their control, unless they carry the handgun in a holster and are either at least 21 years old or licensed to carry a handgun.¹

Texas law also generally prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or going with a firearm on a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution except pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution,² except that people with a valid license to carry a handgun may be authorized to carry concealed handguns in passenger transportation vehicles and parking areas of institutions of higher education.³

A public or private employer also may generally not prohibit an employee who lawfully possesses a firearm or ammunition from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area the employer provides for employees.⁴ State law similarly prohibits K-12 school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from preventing their employees who lawfully possess firearms or ammunition from keeping firearms or ammunition in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle in school parking areas, provided that the firearm or ammunition stored in the vehicle is not in plain view.⁵

In 2011, Texas passed a law generally prohibiting the Department of Family and Child Services from restricting a foster parent from carrying a handgun in a vehicle while transporting a foster child.⁶

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1. Tex. Penal Code §§ 46.02(a-1); 46.035(a). For other narrow exceptions to the requirement that firearms in cars and watercraft be concealed, see section 46.15(b).[↩]
2. Tex. Penal Code § 46.03(a).[↩]
3. See Tex. Penal Code § 46.03(a)(1)(B).[↩]
4. Tex. Lab. Code § 52.061.[↩]
5. Tex. Educ. Code § 37.0815 (as amended by 2017 TX SB 1566, Section 13.[↩]
6. Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 42.042(e-2).[↩]

As a seasoned expert in firearm laws, particularly those pertaining to the state of Texas, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding the possession and transportation of firearms. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of relevant statutes and regulations, ensuring that I can provide accurate and insightful information on the matter.

The article you've provided, last updated on January 5, 2023, delves into Texas gun laws, specifically addressing regulations related to the carrying of long guns (rifles or shotguns) in motor vehicles. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

1. No Restrictions on Long Guns in Motor Vehicles:

   • Texas does not have laws restricting the carrying of long guns, such as rifles or shotguns, in motor vehicles.

2. Restrictions on Open Carrying of Handguns:

   • Texas law generally prohibits the intentional, knowing, or reckless open carrying of handguns in plain view in motor vehicles and watercraft. However, exceptions exist if the handgun is carried in a holster, and the individual is either at least 21 years old or licensed to carry a handgun.

3. Firearms in Passenger Transportation Vehicles of Schools:

   • It is generally prohibited to possess or carry firearms on passenger transportation vehicles of schools or educational institutions, unless done in accordance with written regulations or authorization. Individuals with a valid license to carry a handgun may be allowed to carry concealed handguns in passenger transportation vehicles and parking areas of higher education institutions.

4. Employer Restrictions on Firearms in Vehicles:

   • Public or private employers are generally not allowed to prohibit employees with lawful possession of firearms or ammunition from transporting or storing them in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in designated parking areas provided by the employer.

5. K-12 School Districts and Charter Schools:

   • K-12 school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are prohibited from preventing employees with lawful possession of firearms or ammunition from keeping them in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle in school parking areas, as long as the items are not in plain view.

6. Exception for Foster Parents:

   • In 2011, Texas passed a law prohibiting the Department of Family and Child Services from restricting a foster parent from carrying a handgun in a vehicle while transporting a foster child.

The references provided in the article cite relevant sections of the Texas Penal Code, Labor Code, Education Code, and Human Resources Code, showcasing the legal basis for these regulations. This comprehensive understanding of the nuances in Texas firearm laws allows for a thorough analysis and interpretation of the information presented.