CAN I HAVE A GUN IN MY CAR?
In Texas, it is legal for you to possess a firearm in your own car provided that the gun is not in plain view, you are not engaged in any type of criminal activity (other than a Class C traffic violation), you are not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm (e.g. convicted felon, convicted of family violence, subject to a protective order, etc.), and you are not a member of a criminal street gang. If you do not meet each of the criteria, then you may be charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW).
If you have a license to carry a handgun (LTC) issued pursuant to Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, then the firearm must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster. In other words, a LTC does not give you permission to toss your Glock 19 on the dashboard with impunity.
Therefore, although you are permitted to have a concealed pistol in your vehicle, with or without a LTC, you can still be charged with UCW if you break another law while driving. For example, a person who has a concealed gun in their vehicle who is arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, may also face a UCW charge. Remember that if you have a gun in your car, you must conceal it if you do not have a license to carry, and you may face a UCW charge if you commit a Class B offense or greater at the same time.