I am responding to your initial question as well as this post.Tacomaoffroader wrote:Thanks for the help!
Does Texas allow you to carry a gun in your vehicle w/o a carry permit yet?
The reason I ask is because the "CD" says you can defend your car.
And as far as I know Texans can't carry in their vehicles unless "traveling" right?
Thanks in advance guys!
-Laurence
Most peoples aversion to the "Castle Doctrine" laws come from a lack of understanding of the law. They misunderstand or have been flat out lied to.
I would print out the new text in its context with the rest of section 9.32 of the penal code.
Also be aware that the Castle Doctrine applies to ALL types of deadly force, not just shooting someone. And rifle and shotgun carry is not generally prohibited either
But to specifically answer your question there are several circumstances where a person could legally carry a handgun in a car; Going hunting or fishing or other sporting activity (think gun range) if the gun is commonly used in that activity, having a chl and traveling.
The Legislature added a provision to the the penal code that states a person is presumed to be traveling if the meet 5 requirements; the person is in a private motor vehicle, the gun is not in plain view, the person is not a member of a street gang, the person is not otherwise engaged in criminal activity at the time (traffic violations not included), the person is is not prohibited from being in possession of the gun under federal law