Have you wondered when it’s legal to carry a firearm in your car? Gun control laws are put in place to help protect individuals while in public. It is important that you take the time to really look at specific gun control laws in your area or where you plan on visiting. Texas is a state that has similar types of gun control laws that are found across the country. It is legal to carry a gun in Texas but there are some specific regulations that must be followed in order for your gun to be legal.
The first thing you might want to consider is a carry permit. This may also be referred to as a carry conceal permit or a concealed handgun license. This allows someone over the age of 21 to carry a handgun concealed on their person or concealed in something like a bag after they have met a specific range of standards. The carrier must take a safety course, must pass a shooting test, and must register with their local sheriff’s office and have a photo ID printed.
Those that have criminal charges, that are felons, that have been diagnosed as psychologically unstable, or that have a chemical or alcohol dependency are not eligible for this type permit. Public universities in Texas must allow carry permits but can make certain areas gun free at their own discretion. It is always illegal to carry guns in federal buildings like the post office, your local government building, the IRS headquarters, and more. You are also prohibited from carrying guns in schools, public sporting events, execution premises, jails, voting locations, racetracks, and businesses that have posted a 51% sign and state that they make 51% of their revenue from the sale of alcohol.
There are also some open carry laws that allow you to carry handguns openly and in plain view in a holster either at the hip or on the shoulder. You cannot open carry at schools and you should be certain that the business in which you open carry does allow you to have a gun on the premises before you decide to carry. If you do run into trouble with your gun carrying privileges you may want to seek the help of an attorney either to determine where you can carry your gun or to get out of trouble.
