Texas Castle Doctrine

[j4justice]

In Texas under the castle doctrine, in a vehicle, does the handgun have to be completly hidden?

PC 46.02 Unlawful Carrying of a weapon:
A weapon cannot be in "Plainview" in a vehicle.

I have a CHL I thought I was covered regardless??
Please advise...anyone??????

 

[Dragk913]

Yes, the handgun has to be completely concealed/hidden from view. It doesn't have to be in a box or in the trunk, but a passerby should not be able to see it when looking through your windows.


Edit: I don't know about the CHL rules.

 

[calaverasslim]

With a CHL, concealed handgun license, just that means.. CONCEALED, not partially hidden or in plain view.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Yes, completely concealed. CHL or under the other provisions, concealed.

You don't have to have a CHL to carry a concealed handgun in your car in Texas. Note that it has to be YOUR car or a car under YOUR control if you don't have a CHL.

You won't find a codified definition of "concealed" in Texas code, but what would a "reasonable person" think concealed means?

Usually it means concealed well enough that a "reasonable person" would not know it was a gun, but it's a gamble to do anything other than completely cover it.

 

[j4justice]

thank you

 

[bdickens]

The castle doctrine has nothing to do with car carry.

 

[The Sarge]

I assume your asking about the use of deadly force in Section II sub section A of the Texas Castle Doctrine?
(A) unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and with force, the actor's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment;
It really has nothing to so with vehicle carry but with the authorized use of deadly force....
The Texas Law on a firearm in your car is here.....
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01815F.HTM

 

[TexasRifleman]

The castle doctrine has nothing to do with car carry.

Well, when Texas passed the "castle doctrine" one of the other pieces of legislation was the ability to carry concealed in your car without a permit since your car is now your "castle".

The media connected them all together when it was passed so it's understandable that people get the 2 confused.