TexasCHLforum.com

So under current TX law, we are allowed to carry concealed in our vehicle while in our "car" and "travelling".

What does this mean exactly, though?

Does this mean we can carry concealed from a car to say a hotel (where we "reside" for the evening)? I would think so, and furthermore, I would think we could carry concealed whilst in that hotel (room).

I DO realize once I'm at my ultimate destination, I will be unable to carry concealed unless I have my CHL (not yet) or I'm in another domicile/residence under my own control.



But what about outside of TX? Is this a Federal law allowing this or is this just a TX State law?

I'm about to head out of town for Turkey day and will be going to a different state, through several others. I certainly don't want to break any laws or cause any trouble, but last time we did this (same trip last year) we crossed through a really bad run-down area, and expect to again (little choice to go around it) and I want to be prepared this time should something bad happen.

Thanks!

While you are in Texas, anyone who can legally possess or buy a handgun can carry it concealed in their vehicle. You can also carry it from you house to your vehicle and into a hotel room.

Ok, so what about outside TX?

Any states that have reciprocity with TX honor that law that permits me to carry in my vehicle/on my way to my domicile?

What about states which do not have reciprocity with TX?

Reciprocity has nothing to do with anything except CHL. If you have a CHL and travel to a state we have reciprocity with, you may carry under your TX CHL license, but must still conform to the laws of THAT state, not Texas.

As for having your gun in a vehicle without a CHL, there are some states that have vehicle carry like Texas, but you need to refer to each individual states firearms laws to see if they do or don't allow it.

Here is a website that is good to research for laws and regulations http://www.handgunlaw.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USRVCarCarry.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for the states that allow vehicle carry.

EDITED TO ADD: You might also check on the state 'peacable journey' laws. Some states that don't have vehcile carry allow you to pass thorugh their state with a loaded weapon in your vehicle if you are traveleing through on a trip.

Thanks - will do some reading...

What about unloaded handguns?

Surely I could remove the magazine and travel through any state w/out breaking a law, right??

LCP_Dogg wrote:Thanks - will do some reading...

What about unloaded handguns?

Surely I could remove the magazine and travel through any state w/out breaking a law, right??

Depends on the state law. Best to read and understand their laws if you plan to travel. That will help keep you out of hot water.

If we new what states you were going through we could be more help. Many of the states bordering Texas you can conceal carry in the car.

TX -> ARK -> MO -> IL

I'm thinking IL for sure is not going to let me conceal carry in the vehicle.. *shrug*

ps. I vaguely recall my CHL instructor telling me if it is loaded and in the back seat or trunk or otherwise "out of my reach" then "I am not carrying"... ????

LCP_Dogg wrote:TX -> ARK -> MO -> IL

I'm thinking IL for sure is not going to let me conceal carry in the vehicle.. *shrug*

ps. I vaguely recall my CHL instructor telling me if it is loaded and in the back seat or trunk or otherwise "out of my reach" then "I am not carrying"... ????

TX has car carry if you can legally possess the firearm

AK has peaceable journey law if you are traveling on a contiguous journey through the state

MO has concealed car carry if you are over 21 and can legally posses the firearm

IL is the sticky one. It states it is not immediately accessible, but most I have talked to say you need to have it unloaded and ammo separated and in a case. Here is the link to Illinois weapons laws

I know MO has car carry and their laws are very similar to ours.

IL has absolutely no provisions for car carry or concealed carry. None, Nada, nothing. In Illinois, it'll have to be encased and unloaded. You can have the magazine loaded and in the same case, but the magazine CANNOT be in the firearm.

What part of Illinois you going to?

Thanks for the info on MO and IL - that is what I was looking for!

We're going to the Southern part of IL - just outside of Clinton - it is my father in law's and we're going for Turkey week.

We might go shooting, I don't really know, but he is big into guns and has some black powder stuff he was itching to show me. So I suppose my carry could be for a 2nd good reason if I bring it. :)

LCP_Dogg wrote:Thanks for the info on MO and IL - that is what I was looking for!

We're going to the Southern part of IL - just outside of Clinton - it is my father in law's and we're going for Turkey week.

We might go shooting, I don't really know, but he is big into guns and has some black powder stuff he was itching to show me. So I suppose my carry could be for a 2nd good reason if I bring it. :)

Hate to break it to ya, but that's not Southern Illinois!! Im originally from the Effingham area. Clinton's farther north then I've ever been in Illinois. I've never been north of Champaign.

The entire time I was in IL this past summer I had my gun unloaded in a locked case. I was around the roxana/edwardsville area which is pretty southern IL. I made conversation with a few of the local pd and they seemed to be fine with the unloaded in a locked case deal. Btw st. louis, MO pd are issued beretta 9mm's. It wasn't so bad, I was near the winchester ammunition factory and frequented their trap/skeet range and pistol range down the road from the Olin factory in Alton. Lots of nice people at the pistol range, its run by some retired leo's. Very cheap to shoot, just buy their ammo and there's no range fee, free targets, eyes and ears. 10 bucks for a round of trap/skeet, includes 25 shells, 25 skeet, free gun rental, eyes & ears, and someone to pull and count hits/misses. I guess you could say most of my weekends were spent at these two establishments. Btw, every gun store I went to envies Texas for our carry/self defense laws.

And if you go to a gun show be sure to present your id BEFORE picking up and admiring that shotgun, I got barked at for it because it is apparently an Illinois law that I didn't know about.

Correct. I have a friend on another board who lives in Pukeanois & you must present before handling. No card, no touchy.