Sunday, September 9, 2007
New Texas law allows us to carry all kinds of weapons in our cars without a license
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As long as you're not in a gang, a convicted felon, or in the middle of committing a crime, then you no longer need a license to carry a gun inside a car, as long as that gun is hidden.
There's more: House Bill 1815 allows not only guns, but swords, clubs, tomahawks, and blades over five inches long. Yay, we can carry them in our car, whenever we want, as long as, like, we put a blanket over them.
It is really, seriously, time to consider moving to another state. One with rational people in charge.
CBS 11: New law allows unlicensed weapons in car
Posted by T.G.
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Comments
Scott Miller Verified
Maybe now we'll see an increase in clubbings(I never knew concealed clubs were against the law), stabbings and, um, swordfights. It would probably be a good idea to drive REALLY friendly from here on out.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
John Meyer Staff
I don't know about you, but I'm loadin' up with live ammo and installing gun ports in my side windows.
Seriously though, I predict this will have next to no effect on life as North Texans know it. Anyone who feels like doing so has probably already been packing heat in their four-wheeled homes-away-from-home - legally or not - for some time.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
CastleHills Anonymous
This is just incredible. I find it very surprising that the police would let this law be passed...now they have to worry about every Tom Dick and Harry pulling a gun on them.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
bryan1788 Anonymous
Please do move to another state.
@CastleHills
last time I checked... if I was the type to pull a gun on a cop, I really didn't care whether there was a law stating I was allowed to have it in my car or not.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
Bryan makes a good point. The police always worry about every Tom, Dick and Harry pulling a gun on them - which is why they always put the spot light on you from behind, approach from behind, and carefully check to see what you're doing with your hands before approaching the driver's side window.
Not to mention, since when do the police "let" a piece of legislation pass?
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Aaron Johnson Verified
CASTLEHILLS! When is the last time the police had to concern themselves with a law abiding citizen? It's not the Tom, Dick and Harrys they're worried about, it's the guys that don't follow the law and will kill a police officer that they're worried about... Geez people, whatever happened to the use of logic in American culture? Law abiding citizens are not the ones police or other law abiding citizens should be worried about, why would we concern ourselves with further legislating their actions? We should be concerned with non-law abiding citizens. Remember laws don't do any good in the first place if people don't follow them. Passing more laws for otherwise law abiding citizens to follow amounts to beating a dead horse. Geez...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Cantonson Anonymous
Seriously? Come on. Move to another state? I imagine you don't own a hand gun... If you did, you would understand the significance behind this. Imagine what might have happened at Virginia Tech, strictly for example's sake, if someone had the training and tools to end that disaster before it became just that, a disaster. Guns don't kill people, people kill people, and if I can protect my fellow law abiding citizens, friends or family in a time of need and perhaps prevent future attacks at the same time, count me in. Protecting our right to bear arms is key to protecting our rights themselves... as well as our lives.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Teresa Gubbins Staff
well i know the "gun" topic is an irresistible debate magnet ('specially for boys), but the thing that struck me about this item was the part about "swords, clubs, tomahawks, and blades over five inches long". tomahawks!
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Chad Jones Staff
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
I wasn't aware you had to be licensed to carry a tomahawk...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
bryan1788 Anonymous
I'm not really sure where CBS11 got the idea about tomahawks and swords. The bill mentions specifically knives and clubs, and I guess if you put those together you have a tomahawk. Are very long knives considered swords? Seems like they're trying a little too hard to be dramatic in the article.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLook...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
eastside Anonymous
Is this just another way of searching your vehicle under "probable cause"?
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Anonymous
Bryan,
See the definition of "club" in Section 46.01(1) of the Penal Code:
"'Club' means an instrument that is specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the instrument, and includes but is not limited to the following: (a) blackjack; (b) nightstick; (c) mace; (d) tomahawk."
Then see the definition of "illegal knife" in Section 46.01(6) of the Penal Code:
"'Illegal knife' means a: (a) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches; (b) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown; (c) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stilletto, and poniard; (d) bowie knife; (e) sword; or (f) spear."
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
bryan1788 Anonymous
Thanks Scott. I still think they're trying to be dramatic, but I guess they could have listed spear as well...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Mike Orren Staff
The missus and I went for a Sunday drive yesterday...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Rick Yost Verified
Aw c'mon people- our society's getting safer all the time. I mean, we're cutting down on public smoking- certainly that offsets a host of other dangers.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Clay213 Anonymous
You could move to Virginia, where you can carry a gun UNHIDDEN WITHOUT EVEN A PERMIT.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
inarchetype Anonymous
1) I'm not worried about increased danger; The guys you really need to worry about already carry weapons in their cars- you don't think it makes much difference to them whether its legal or not do you?
2) What I do worry about is an increased likelihood of my car getting broken into now that more law abiding citizens will be assumed to have (valuable) weapons in their cars!
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Car broken into? I'm worried about some dude I accidentally cut off pulling up beside me at a red light and shooting me.
Fact is that a ridiculous amount of people in Texas own guns, and if they have no reason not to keep one in their car - just in case - they're gonna do it. Road rage + firearm inside the vehicle = DOOOOOOOM
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
ch0 Anonymous
We be clubbin!
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
grumpyold_fart Anonymous
It has already been useful, when I was approached by a road rage driver who thought my handicap placard would be an easy assult. Ichanged his attitude, he changed his shorts. I don't care who doesn't like the new law. I am no longer a passive victim.
9 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Jeremy Dunck Staff
Damn, Grumpy. Are you sure he didn't just want to tell you about a turn signal that's out? :-(
9 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
grumpyold_fart Anonymous
When a person changes lanes from a dead stop, wheels quickly behind you, exits their vehicle and runs up to your door with their fist doubled up and their arm drawn back to swing,cussing like a drunken idiot.....I think it is safe to assume they mean to do some damage, so no, I do not think he was trying to tell me a light was out. I am a retired peace officer and have been trained for many years to recognise aggression. If everyone carried, roadrage would soon become less prevalent.
9 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
You mean, it's useful b/c our population would drop significantly from all the slap-happy shootings?
You're presuming everyone carrying is as responsible as you are, Mr. Fart. Granted, the gun is supposedly hidden...doesn't mean some disgruntled jerk isn't going to follow you home and use excessive force b/c he thinks you cut him off 10 miles ago.
9 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
grumpyold_fart Anonymous
I don't worry about all the "what if's", I deal with what reality there is here and now. Just like the bleeding hearts that said conceal carry would have blood running in the streets,they won't overcome this either. Maybe some good citizen can save their life someday and show them people are smart enough to handle their lives when they are not afraid to protect themselves and their families. I don't intend to debate the worthiness of this from now on.Those that can, will. Those that can't or won't will whine and complain. Carry on.
9 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jeremiahp Anonymous
What a bunch of fear-mongering. I've long carried a steel bar in my trunk for use with my tire iron. It's ulterior use was self defense - I've never instigated a problem, but I have seen others assaulted in parking lots and have been approached by drunk rednecks that have randomly assaulted members in my group. Friends have witnessed enraged drivers leave their vehicles in traffic to beat on the windows of elderly drivers - they were neutralized by other citizens. Ever since, I have wanted to keep a club under the driver seat, but didn't want to create a problem should I be stopped by the police. I also train in kung fu - carrying some of the weapons to class have actually been illegal. I transport them in the trunk and store them safely at home. However, the law would have placed me in jeopardy had I been pulled over for a minor traffic violation. I have a right to "bear arms" for self-defense. If you don't like it, please do move.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Nice 6-month bump.
I don't disagree with your concerns jeremiahp - I keep the handle of a former hatchet in my car for same reasons. However, enraged drivers and drunk rednecks are precisely the kind of people I'd prefer not have firearms with them where ever they go.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jeremiahp Anonymous
Word, Scott. Call me slow on the uptake regarding this news. :-)
But, enraged drivers and drunk rednecks have always carried weapons - the law doesn't make their weaponized assaults legal. Neutralizing them, however, has now gone from dangerously necessary to legal for the rest of us.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
OMG! I am totally going to load my official Buffy the Vampire Slayer weapon trunk in my car as soon as I get home!! Bring it on drunk rednecks! Quit being a wuss Doyle…so lame.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
I don't go anywhere without my mutated anthrax. For duck huntin'.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Tony Burks Verified
(dramatization) ~police sirens~ ~pulls over car~ Sir you were doin a little swerving back there...do you have any weapons in the vehicle.
Wheye, yes sa offisa, yes eye do...I have a Uzi, a 9mm, a rifle, a grenade, a shovel with a sharp edge, a sword, a cutco butcher knife, a pocket knife with a sharp fork, and 6 rubber bands holdin them together in the back seat...but they all cover'd by my grandmama's quilt.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jeremiahp Anonymous
Pavel and jtmbls, y'all are funny - I have a liberal sense of humor, I laughed. But, once you witness or experience this sort of random violence and are forced to make decisions about defending yourself and others, you begin to see these issues in context.
Once while walking out of a pool hall on 6th Street in Austin, I saw a crowd of people surrounding two, apparently homeless individuals locked in a desperate struggle. One had a very large Bowie knife held above his head and the other, smaller man, was straining to hold the attacker's arm away. A crowd of people stood there staring at this scene. I questioned whether I should involve myself and why others hadn't already done so, but overcame the fear long enough to raise a fist and move in to help the smaller man. Just as I approached, cops bust through the crowd and wrestled the man to the ground.
The law we're discussing doesn't apply to this situation - the Bowie knife is illegal to carry around and the assault is obviously illegal. But, experiencing events like that force you to consider defensive contingencies. Most streets are not as well staffed with vigilant police officers and I've now witnessed, experienced and heard firsthand accounts of too many of these situations to not take it seriously.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jeremiahp Anonymous
Tony, the Uzi and grenade are illegal. You're busted.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Makes me wonder what would happen if someone actually did mow down an enraged driver down with their unlicensed, stowed away gun...your vehicle ain't exactly your castle.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Scratch that second down, needs less posting near the end of the work-day (I'm sure my boss would agree).
Hopefully the grammar police are more reasonable than north Texas drivers.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
I guess you'd have to demonstrate that your life was in danger.
So take one of the half-dozen rifles tucked away in various parts of your car, and plant it on 'em.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Rick Yost Verified
I've heard many times if you shoot a burglar on your property- you should drag the body into the house before you call the cops.
You might have to dump the perp into the passenger seat.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
jeremiahp - Although my response was sarcastic, believe me, I could not be more in favor of people protecting themselves by any means. In fact, the only reason I don’t own a gun is because, more likely than not, I would use it…on a daily basis…
Doyle – I was talking to someone who has a conceal carry license and was told that the castle law does indeed extend to your vehicle - if you are in it. He also pointed out that if a person chooses to use that weapon, you can count on a minimum of $10,000. in legal fees just to demonstrate that use was lawful and necessary. Just look at all the bs police officers have to go through when they use/draw their weapons. I guess I will just have to stick with my stake and crucifix.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
Oh and my kickass Buffy moves!
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Rick, clearly you have to kick your own front door in with their shoe on, put it back on 'em, pull 'em inside, shatter you car's passenger-side window, and plant the gun from your glove box on the body.
Not that I would ever consider doing such a thing...
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Rick Yost Verified
That's all doable.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
So, how exactly is the "Things You Can't Miss" section determined? This is on it, and it's 8 months old...strictly activity based, or does PNHQ have a wizard behind the internet curtain who deems it worthy?
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Mike Orren Staff
It's chosen by whatever staff member does the major homepage flip the night before. My guess is whomever did it did so because of recent comment activity.
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Sweet, I'm a fan of the attentiveness - I might keep telling myself it's a wizard, been a long day. =p
2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
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