Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required

Rifle and Shotgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required

Semi-automatic "assault weapon" ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required

Machine Gun Ownership: no state restrictions, compliance with federal law only

Firearm law uniformity: preemption statute, firearm laws uniform throughout state

Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis; reciprocity available for nonresidents with carry permits from certain other states

Vehicle carry and transportation: unlicensed individuals and non-residents may not carry handguns on or about their persons while in a vehicle loaded rifles and shotguns may be carried in plain view or in a case

Texas, like much of the Southwest, has adjusted its frontier laws to properly fit the demands of a modern society. Travelers should be aware of how these laws affect their ability to carry firearms while trekking through the Lone Star state.

Carry of handguns "on or about one's person" on foot or in a vehicle is explicitly prohibited by statute. "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 compartment or even in the backseat are spatial positions which have been held to be "on or about one's person." Texas law, however, exempts individuals who are carrying handguns for self-protection while traveling across Texas 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 within these exemptions, any doubt as to a person's true intentions could result in a delay or an overnight jail stay. Travelers unable to maintain their classification as "bonafide travelers" should carry their handgun unloaded and cased in the trunk. Texas law contains no prohibition on the transport of loaded rifles and shotguns in vehicles. Such firearms may be carried in plain view anywhere in the vehicle or secured in a commercial gun case or gun rack.

Texas' concealed carry law allows for the concealed carry of a handgun on onels person and in one's vehicle by properly licensed individuals. The Texas Department of Public Safety may negotiate reciprocity agreements with other states for the recognition of their citizens' carry permits. This reciprocity is conditioned upon formal agreements and may be subject to periodic revision.