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My family and myself always enjoy the high school football games. I was under the impression that I could carry on the parking lot at the games, as long as I left my handgun in the car.

Today a fellow CHL holder, and neighbor informed me that it was not legal.

Can anyone please tell me for sure if I can carry on the parking lot at the high school ball games, as long as I leave it in the vehicle while at the game?

Yes, you are correct. Leaving your handgun in the car in the parking lot is perfectly legal.

Xander wrote:Yes, you are correct. Leaving your handgun in the car in the parking lot is perfectly legal.

Thanks Xander....I was hoping it was legal, as I have always did it that way. Wouldn't have admitted that unless I was correct though.

its legal as long as its in the trunk

I dont believe a trunk is mentioned anywhere in Texas code. many cars and all trucks dont have a trunk.

rm9792 wrote:I dont believe a trunk is mentioned anywhere in Texas code. many cars and all trucks dont have a trunk.

hmmmmm.. good answer

There is no requirement that it be in the trunk.

You can carry on your person anywhere on school grounds (not in buildings), except at a sporting event or other school activity (pep rally, etc.) Since you can't carry into the game, your only choice is to secure it in the vehicle. How you do so is up to you.

KBCraig wrote:There is no requirement that it be in the trunk.

You can carry on your person anywhere on school grounds (not in buildings), except at a sporting event or other school activity (pep rally, etc.) Since you can't carry into the game, your only choice is to secure it in the vehicle. How you do so is up to you.

This is correct. One thing to mention is that all school activities are illegal to carry even if it is not on school property.

I appreciate all the info!

TexCaboCat wrote:

KBCraig wrote:This is correct. One thing to mention is that all school activities are illegal to carry even if it is not on school property.

Are you saying if I met my daughter at a school function held at a place that is not 30.06 posted, I could not carry....like the zoo, or a function at the lake?

What about other folks, who might just happen to be there, but have no children there, but are right in the crowd with the school function such as a zoo?

i am working as a teacher's aide this semester and i can't even leave my gun in my car, the district has a policy to search vehicles if they have suspicion and an empty casing is grounds for immediate termination, no questions asked! and if they wanted, they would have suspicion to search me. i have pro gun stickers on my truck, i told them at the meet and greet/team building that shooting is a hobby of mine. i wish they would be more forward thinking and allow it in my car. and the real dream is to carry it into the classroom to protect myself and the kiddos.

That is the subject of speculation here. I seriously doubt being at the zoo while kids are there would make you a felon. The same could be said for museums, the beach, all parks, Space center houston, etc. What are you supposed to do? Run away at the first sight of a child? Teachers look just like everyone esle and it would be difficult to tell a school group in a crowd sometimes. Perhaps if you are with the school function you might get some hassle. But, concealed means just that so it shouldnt be an issue.

rm9792 wrote: But, concealed means just that so it shouldnt be an issue.

Thank you for posting this. Too many people lose sight of the fact that we are talking about "concealed" carry. I am in no way advocating breaking the law. That said, I take each carry situation and weigh it accordingly: What is the penalty if I were to have to use my weapon? How important is it for me to carry in that situation? When I weigh my family's safety against the vagaries of the law, should I carry even though a gray area exists?

Those aren't decisions someone else can make for you. There are risks in every situation. We all have found ourselves in the position of breaking the law (however minor), sometimes justified, sometimes not. If you believe the risk greatly outweighs whatever benefits might be gained from carrying, then you might not want to stop anywhere where you see an empty school bus and it's otherwise legal to carry.

As an educator, I'm constantly evaluating my decision to carry, whether it's on my person or my vehicle. Aside from the obvious places that are strictly off-limits to carry, there are places where I believe the law is "gray" enough that the benefit gained from carrying far outweigh the possible risks. In these situations, it all boils down to what my comfort level is when the law isn't clear, and how willing I am to take on the risk of finding myself in a situation where your concealed carry will be discovered by others.

Armed-Texan wrote:...the district has a policy to search vehicles if they have suspicion and an empty casing is grounds for immediate termination, no questions asked!

If I ever found myself in the position of being searched, I would tell them to search the Constitution under the Bill of Rights and the 4th Amendment. You can refuse the search because of your 4th Amendment Rights. Even a LEO needs probable cause to conduct a search. You liking shooting sports and their suspicion that you could be a gun nut (or whatever) is NOT probable cause. Having said that, working as a teacher's aide is most likely an at will postition so you would most likely find yourself looking for a job since you aren't afforded any protection of a teacher's contract.

... and if they wanted, they would have suspicion to search me. i have pro gun stickers on my truck, i told them at the meet and greet/team building that shooting is a hobby of mine.

Different opinions on this part, but here's my 2 cents...
Only you can control how much suspicion they have. Don't get me wrong, I am as pro-gun as you are, but there are some cards that I hold close to my chest with my employers and people I don't know very well. CHL and gun related topics are among them. I would say for the most part, most of my business associates, clients, etc., have no idea that they have enjoyed a meal with me while I was armed or whatever it was we were doing at the time. All it takes is one person with an aversion to guns and although I may be 100% legal, I could also be in for a lot of grief. Not a battle I want to fight when my real goal is to provide for my family.

...i wish they would be more forward thinking and allow it in my car....

Although I am encouraged by the small district north of Fort Worth, don't hold your breath. A lot of educators tend to be anti. I know, I'm stereotyping but I know very few who are CHLers and those that are don't advertise it at work.

they will never know i carry, period. you are correct, being employed at will, i would be looking for a job. if i refuse to allow a search i'm history anyway. so my course of action will be to walk the line, keep my truck clean and never give anyone a reason. i think more along the lines of suspicion they are looking for alcohol and drug abuse, finding firearms related things would just be a bonus.