hidden compartment in car: legal issues

[jiggerachi]

Good morning. I've been reading here for awhile but this is my first post. Didn't really know where to put such a strange question so here it is.

I just took my chl class not too long ago and my packet is on its way to austin. Here's my question. I daily drive a 2 seater convertible, with very limited storage or security, and as such I never lock the doors or leave anything valuable in the car. So far so good. For various reasons I just removed the passenger airbag(pulled drivers side awhile ago for a racing steering wheel). I don't waant to get in an airbag debate, but this is an older project car that I occasionally autocross, so a roll bar and things are in its future, and air bags aren't too important to me at this time, plus I'm going to be a daddy in about a week, and can't have a lethal airbag if I have to take the little guy somewhere in the car.

Anyway, my company prohibits carrying weapons in the building but doesn't care about the parking lot, and I'm going back to college in the fall, so there's a big chance ill have to leave a gun in a car that really has no ability for security. Even the trunk isn't secure, plus when it rains it leaks back there anyway.

So now I have this huge hole in the dash and the airbag cover ready to cover the hole. I was thinking I could get creative and mount the door with some hinges and a hidden latch, i'd have a nice place to mount a lock box that would be competely hidden.

My question though is what are the legal ramifications if say I got pulled over and had to declare that I had a weapon in something that could be cosidered a smugglers pocket in the dash. I'm sure i'd have a tough time explaning that it was a semi track car that I also drive to school and why I don't lock the doors etc....

Legally speaking what laws could I be breaking, and what type of hassle would I be in for during a routine traffic stop?

Thanks guys...long winded post I know...

[seamusTX]

There is no Texas state law against having a "secret" compartment in your vehicle, and it is also completely legal to have a concealed handgun in your motor vehicle if you are otherwise legally allowed to own one.

As to what kind of hassle you might get, that is entirely up to the police officer that stops you.

- Jim

[jiggerachi]

That's pretty much what I was thinking. Only concerned aboud being accused of any attempted deception...with the fact that the panel that says SAS AIRBAG real big on it is actually a specially modified hidden gun compartment. I know guns are legal in cars but it's a little more extreme than having a gun under your seat.

I only wonder if that would ever count against me in a wrong place at the wrong time situation that I seem to have a knack for getting myself into.

[seamusTX]

The only way that you're guaranteed not to get into trouble over having a firearm in your car is not to have a firearm in your car.

OTOH, if the police want to make a case out of something, they will find a way. See this thread: http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=24456" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Jim