Can I Take My Gun on a Road Trip in Texas?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a road trip in Texas and wondering whether you can bring your gun along? The answer is – it depends.

Concealed Carry Laws in Texas
If you have a license to carry a concealed handgun in Texas, then you can legally carry it with you while on a road trip. However, there are certain restrictions that you need to keep in mind.

For instance, you cannot carry your gun into certain places such as schools, polling places, courts, and government buildings. In addition, private businesses may also prohibit firearms on their premises.

Important Note: It’s crucial to check the laws of other states that you will be passing through during your road trip. Just because Texas allows concealed carry doesn’t mean other states do as well.

Open Carry Laws in Texas
If you don’t have a license to carry a concealed handgun, then open carrying is not allowed in vehicles. This means that if your firearm is not concealed and within reach while driving or traveling in a vehicle, then it’s considered open carry and illegal.

Transporting Firearms Across State Lines
If you’re traveling through multiple states with your firearm during your road trip, it’s essential to understand the laws of each state. While some states have reciprocity agreements with Texas for carrying firearms, others do not. It’s crucial that you comply with the laws of each state and ensure proper transport of your firearm.

Here are some tips for transporting firearms:

  • Keep your firearm unloaded and stored in a locked container
  • Store ammunition separately from the firearm
  • Place the locked container out of reach (i.e., trunk) if possible while driving.

The Bottom Line

In summary, if you have a license to carry a concealed handgun in Texas, you can legally bring it with you on your road trip. However, you need to comply with the laws of each state that you pass through and ensure proper transport of your firearm. If you don’t have a license to carry a concealed handgun, then open carrying is not allowed in vehicles, making it illegal during your road trip.

Remember always to prioritize safety and responsibility when traveling with firearms.