Clarification needed on Texas CCW law

ccamge55 · April 13, 2010, 04:27 PM

I am currently a student enrolled at a major university in Central Texas, I also have a CHL and was curious about the existing laws. The law states that a person cannot posses a handgun on the physical grounds of a college or university. My question is does that mean I cant have a gun in my truck while its in the parking lot or can I? Since quite a bit of my time is spent going back and forth to work and school that would severly limit my ability to carry if I cant have it locked in my vehicle while im in class. Any knowledge on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time.

TexasFats · April 13, 2010, 06:19 PM

Here is the applicable law.

PC §46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses
or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon
listed in Section 4S.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution,
any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or
educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation
vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or
educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

The offense is classified as a Third-Degree Felony and is punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.

Premises is defined as a "building or portion thereof."

PC46.035(3) "Premises" means a building or a portion of a building. The
term does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk
or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area.

This is directly from the Texas Penal Code. Do note that having something in your car in the parking lot could be grounds for expulsion under circumstances that would virtually ensure that you would not be admitted anywhere else, except some on-line school that has about zero credibility in the job market.

I am not an attorney. I just know where to find the law on the DPS website.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/LS-16.pdf

See a lawyer if you still can't make up your mind.

10-96 · April 13, 2010, 09:22 PM

If it is a major university- then it has it's own campus Police Department. Go on line and look them up, they'll have a contact number. Call and ask them directly. OR, read your new student orientation paperwork- your question may be addressed in there in the fine print.

kilimanjaro · April 13, 2010, 10:30 PM

Leaving a pistol in an unattended vehicle is asking for another stolen gun on the street or in a pawnshop.

ccamge55 · April 13, 2010, 11:11 PM

The pistol in question is not unattended, its locked in a safe thats bolted to the floor of my truck.

April 13, 2010, 04:27 PM	#1
ccamge55 Member Join Date: June 19, 2005 Posts: 73	Clarification needed on Texas CCW law I am currently a student enrolled at a major university in Central Texas, I also have a CHL and was curious about the existing laws. The law states that a person cannot posses a handgun on the physical grounds of a college or university. My question is does that mean I cant have a gun in my truck while its in the parking lot or can I? Since quite a bit of my time is spent going back and forth to work and school that would severly limit my ability to carry if I cant have it locked in my vehicle while im in class. Any knowledge on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time.

April 13, 2010, 06:19 PM	#2
TexasFats Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 130	Here is the applicable law. PC §46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 4S.05(a): (1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution; The offense is classified as a Third-Degree Felony and is punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine. Premises is defined as a "building or portion thereof." PC46.035(3) "Premises" means a building or a portion of a building. The term does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area. This is directly from the Texas Penal Code. Do note that having something in your car in the parking lot could be grounds for expulsion under circumstances that would virtually ensure that you would not be admitted anywhere else, except some on-line school that has about zero credibility in the job market. I am not an attorney. I just know where to find the law on the DPS website. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/LS-16.pdf See a lawyer if you still can't make up your mind. __________________ Gun laws are designed to extend and solidify the power of an elite over a peasantry. Sauron lives, and his orc minions are on the march.

April 13, 2010, 09:22 PM	#3
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	If it is a major university- then it has it's own campus Police Department. Go on line and look them up, they'll have a contact number. Call and ask them directly. OR, read your new student orientation paperwork- your question may be addressed in there in the fine print. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

April 13, 2010, 10:30 PM	#4
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	Leaving a pistol in an unattended vehicle is asking for another stolen gun on the street or in a pawnshop.

April 13, 2010, 11:11 PM	#5
ccamge55 Member Join Date: June 19, 2005 Posts: 73	The pistol in question is not unattended, its locked in a safe thats bolted to the floor of my truck.