Reply #15: Dangit...and I had the answer for Texas law [View All]

[VelmaD]

From the Texas State Rifle Association's webpage:

"Vehicle Carry and Transportation: Unlicensed individuals and non-residents may not carry handguns on or about their persons while in a vehicle (specific exemption for bonafide travelers); loaded rifles and shotguns may be carried in plain view or in a case. NOTE: It is up to the individual to prove they are a bonafide traveler.

The carry of handguns "on or about one's person" has been defined by the Texas courts to include any handgun within arm's reach of an individual whether concealed or open. Under one's seat, on the dash, in the glove box or even the back-seat are spatial positions which have been held to be "on or about one's person."

Texas law exempts individuals who are carrying handguns for self-protection while traveling the state on a "bonafide" journey or engaged in a lawfully related firearm activity such as hunting or target shooting. Although police should not arrest an individual who falls in these restrictions, any doubt on the part of law enforcement could result in delays or being held or arrested. Travelers unable to maintain the classification of a "bonafide traveler" should carry their handgun unloaded, cased and locked in the trunk. Texas law contains no prohibition on the transport of loaded rifles and shotguns. Such firearms may be carried in plain view anywhere in the vehicle or secured in a commercial gun case or gun rack."

I read the actual statutes but they're a lot harder to slog through adn this summarizes the law nicely. Guess I gotta go look up the statutes for Arkansas now. Beats working. :-)