Taking an armed road trip

[David]

I am leaving for Texas this weekend and plan on taking a gun along for the ride. The best I can tell Arkansas and Texas both recognize Tennessee's permit. Is there anything you guys can think of I should be aware of on this trip while carrying? I've never been on a road trip while carrying so I'd prefer to avoid any potential BS along the way if at all possible.

[David Lewis]

I may be stating the obvious (seems I have a penchant for doing that), but I've always found it beneficial to carry concealed, and most especially so when on the highway. No one needs to know you're carrying, unless, God forbid, you should have to use your weapon to defend yourself.

Normal Situational awareness applies...but especially needs to include scanning for signs indicating carry is prohibited whereever you go.

Probably not been much help, but it's always worked for me. YMMV.

Have a safe journey, there & back!

Happy New Year!

David

[C. Richard Archie]

Being a Texas expatriot, I have made the trip back and fort many times. Arkansas and Texas both recognize Tennessee's Permit, you will have no problems in that respect. If you are taking the road to North Texas, i.e. Dallas, and are going the I 40-I 30, to I 20 route, be aware that just as you cross the line into TX at Texarkana, there will be a welcoming committee. They will be in brown and black cars and would just love to give you a safe driving award.

Texas requires that handguns be "hidden from plain view" while a motor vehicle is moving, but, even those without permits are allowed to carry if they are "traveling". Used to be that was defined by a trip across a county line, but in 2005 it was changed to "to and from a residense, if the occupant was not involved in criminal activity".

If you have your Tennessee Permit, there will be no worries.

[photoguy67]

"armed road trip", you mean there is any other type???? Just kidding, have a safe trip.

[TacticaLogic]

Anytime I am traveling, especially when crossing through states with which I am unfamiliar, I print out the laws and reciprocity agreements. Some states allow open carry... Some don't... You have to comply with local law regardless of your home state. The site I use is since it not only informs you about the handgun carry laws and reciprocity - it also provides information regarding bladed weapons (maximum blade length) , pepper sprays, restaurant carry, laws regarding use of lethal force, etc. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ANY WEBSITE CAN BE OUT OF DATE FROM ONE MINUTE TO THE NEXT... So, when in doubt, check it out - call the state's law enforcement agency and ask them any questions you might have... I have never found one that treated me impolitely just for calling them to make sure I stay within the limits of the law.

Stay safe, stay armed,
Mike

[RobertNashville]

I would, as was suggested above, take the time to at least review the carry laws of each state you pass through...I was in Ohio to see family over the Christmas holiday and read up on Kentucky and Ohio; both sates recognize Tennessee's HCP but their specific laws vary quite a bit.

For example, Ohio requires concealed carry only and while in a vehicle, your weapon must either be in a holster secured to your person OR securely in some sort of container (glove box, etc.)...further, in Ohio you are required to inform an office if you are armed or not...had I not looked I could have easily broken Ohio law without even realizing it.

I like the idea of actually printing out the laws...I think I'll be doing that from now on!

[ProguninTN]