Texas-Book-Gun Law Armed And Educated - Flipbook - Page 373
because he uses it for demonstration purposes. One day after
work, instead of going straight to his car, Tim decides to do a little
shopping while carrying his AR-15 on a sling pointed down to the
ground on his back, coffee in one hand and fast food bag in the
other. Tim is stopped by a police officer.
Has Tim engaged in disorderly conduct? No. Tim legally carried
his rifle in public in a safe, non-threatening manner. He certainly
did not knowingly or intentionally calculate alarm to anyone. The
law focuses on Tim’s intent and the manner in which the firearm
is displayed. However, if Tim (in our example) was engaging
in threatening behavior, his conduct might constitute an act of
disorderly conduct. A word of caution: Tim’s conduct is open to
interpretation by third parties and law enforcement, which could
land a person in legal hot water. See State v. Ross, 573 S.W.3d 817
(Tex. Crim. App. 2019).
C. May I keep a long gun in my vehicle under Texas law?
Yes, and the long gun does not have to be concealed or locked in a
gun rack. However, openly displaying a long gun in one’s vehicle
may attract thieves—particularly when it is parked and unattended!
D. May I possess a long gun while riding in another person’s
vehicle?
Yes. Texas does not have any restrictions on a person carrying a
long gun in an automobile, regardless of who owns the vehicle.
E. May I have a long gun on a boat or other watercraft?
Yes, the same rules which allow the possession and carrying of a
long gun in a vehicle also apply to boats and other watercraft.
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