Rifle/Shotgun carry in car - Plain view or concealed?

[Elotemuygrande]

A quick Google search doesn't reveal much on this and I've heard a couple of different stories. When transporting a rifle or shotgun in ones car, is it allowed to be concealed or must it be in plain view? If it must be in plain view, that seems exactly opposite of the handgun rules, which makes no sense. Are there differences within a university parking lot(not something I'd plan to do often, but maybe if in route somewhere else)?

[seamusTX]

You can carry legally long guns any way you like it Texas. Obviously they would be a theft target if left exposed in a parked vehicle, but it wouldn't be illegal.

All "no guns" signs apply to long guns. Going into a place that's posted that way could be prosecuted as criminal trespass. It's not the same as 30.06 for CHL holders.

If you are a student or employee in a school or anywhere else that has a "no weapons" policy, you can do the math.

- Jim

[Elotemuygrande]

You can carry legally long guns any way you like it Texas. Obviously they would be a theft target if left exposed in a parked vehicle, but it wouldn't be illegal.

All "no guns" signs apply to long guns. Going into a place that's posted that way could be prosecuted as criminal trespass. It's not the same as 30.06 for CHL holders.

If you are a student or employee in a school or anywhere else that has a "no weapons" policy, you can do the math.

- Jim

Thanks Jim, that clears it right up :)

[txinvestigator]

PC 46.03 applies to long guns, as does 42.01 a(8) and 22.05

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/do ... m#46.03.00

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/do ... m#42.01.00

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/do ... m#22.05.00

[stroo]

You might want to be careful about certain cities however. I understand San Antonio has an ordinance prohibiting the carry in your car of a LOADED long gun. Someone in San Antonio can probably address this better than I.

[dustyb]

You don't see it nearly as often now, but gun racks used to be very popular in my part of East Texas. I would imagine their popularity has declined, with the increase of thieves breaking into vehicles. If you remember the Gary Graham execution in 2000, Quannel X and his group marched all around Huntsville with their rifles. Why he didn't get arrested for trying to incite a riot I'll never know. However, they were closely shadowed by several LEO's during their protest, and I'm sure any serious mischief would have been dealt with quickly. I believe a law was passed after that restricting firearms within 1000 feet of an execution.

[KBCraig]

You might want to be careful about certain cities however. I understand San Antonio has an ordinance prohibiting the carry in your car of a LOADED long gun. Someone in San Antonio can probably address this better than I.

If they have such an ordinance, it's invalid. Only the Legislature can regulate guns in Texas.

[GrillKing]

Only the Legislature can regulate guns in Texas.

Cities cannot regulate transportation of firearms but they can regulate discharge of firearms. so, you probably can't shoot it in San Antonio!!

[GrillKing]

Regulation of Firearms can be found in LGC § 229.001. FIREARMS; EXPLOSIVES and LGC § 229.002. REGULATION OF DISCHARGE OF WEAPON.

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/

[stroo]

I pulled this from another thread. While you might not go to jail because it is unenforceable, you may have to go through a lot of hassle and expense to prove that point:


Hoppes wrote:
There may be cities or towns that have ordinances against carrying of loaded guns in the city limits. I think San Antonio, Texas is one of those with ordinances banning loaded long guns in the city limits. Below is the city code regarding carrying loaded firearms and knives in San Antonio from http://www.municode.com/resources/gatew ... 508&sid=43

--------------------

Sec. 21-16. Carrying loaded rifle or shotgun.
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than duly authorized peace officers, to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun on any public street within the city or in a motor vehicle while the same is being operated on any public street within the city.
(Code 1959, § 26-28)
Cross references: Regulation of firearms and weapons, § 21-151 et seq.