Gavin Howe
Texas gun laws have been a topic of debate and discussion for many years. Texas has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States, allowing people to carry handguns in public without a license to carry (LTC). Texans can still obtain an LTC, as it may provide additional benefits. While Texas law generally permits open carry, there are specific places where firearms are prohibited, such as schools, federal buildings, and sporting events. Additionally, individuals are prohibited from displaying a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. Texas also allows open carry of handguns by certain security officers, individuals on their own premises, and those engaging in lawful hunting or sporting activities. The state's “disorderly conduct law also regulates how people can carry firearms, aiming to prevent intentional or knowing displays of firearms that may cause alarm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License to carry handguns in public | Not required since 2021 |
| License to carry long guns in public | Not required |
| Carrying handguns in vehicles and boats | Prohibited if unholstered and in plain view |
| Carrying handguns on campus | Permitted if the firearm is concealed |
| Carrying handguns at schools, colleges, and sporting events | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns within 1,000 feet of a state execution | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in businesses that get 51% or more of their income from alcohol sales | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in bars | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in federal buildings | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in correctional facilities | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in hospitals, nursing facilities, and mental hospitals | Prohibited |
| Carrying handguns in places of worship | Permitted unless banned by those places with proper signage |
| Carrying handguns while intoxicated | Permitted only inside one's residence or vehicle |
| Carrying handguns by 18-20-year-olds | Permitted |
| Carrying long guns in public | Permitted |
| Carrying long guns while hunting or in sporting activities | Permitted |
| Carrying long guns on one's own premises | Permitted |
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What You'll Learn
No license required to carry a handgun in public
Texas law has, since 2021, allowed people to carry a handgun in public without a license to carry (LTC). Texans can still apply for an LTC, as it may carry additional benefits. Texans must normally be at least 21 years old to get an LTC, but in 2021, HB 918 gave Texans aged 18-20 the ability to get an LTC if they are protected under certain types of protective orders or magistrate's emergency protective orders. Those with an LTC must display their LTC and driver's license or identification certificate to a peace officer upon request.
The Texas State Law Library publishes legal research guides to help people locate the legal information they need about gun laws in Texas, but it cannot help people determine whether they are legally allowed to carry or possess a firearm. If someone has questions about their eligibility under the law, they should ask an attorney.
Texas law does not limit the number of handguns that can be carried. Texans can carry guns wherever guns are not prohibited. Some places are always off-limits, such as schools, federal buildings, secured areas, sporting events, and amusement parks. At other places, the property owner or the person in control of the property can choose whether to allow guns. Texas law makes some places always off-limits to firearms (both handguns and long guns).
It is still a crime in Texas to display a handgun on purpose in a public place, in another person's plain view, unless the gun is holstered. Texas's disorderly conduct law also regulates how people can carry a firearm. A person commits an offense if they intentionally or knowingly display a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm.
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Restrictions on open carry
Texas law allows people to carry guns in places where they are not prohibited. However, there are certain places that are always off-limits for firearms, including handguns and long guns. Texas law also gives private property owners the power to decide whether they want to allow guns on their property. If property owners want to ban guns, they need to notify people by posting specific signs or by other means.
Some places that are considered "prohibited places" for firearms under Penal Code Sec. 46.03 include hospitals, racetracks, and amusement parks. Schools and college campuses also have restrictions on carrying firearms. Additionally, Texas law sets the minimum age to carry a gun in public at 21 years, although an amendment allows 18-to-20-year-olds to apply for LTCs.
Other restrictions on open carry include displaying a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm, as outlined in the "Disorderly Conduct" section of the Texas Penal Code. Furthermore, certain businesses and organisations may prohibit open carry, and individuals must comply with their policies. For example, some restaurants, grocery stores, and retailers may not allow open carry.
It is important to note that Texas law does not specify how to carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun. However, certain individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm by law, and there are restrictions on carrying firearms in vehicles. Texans are advised to consult an attorney or legal resources for specific eligibility and restriction information.
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Carrying long guns
Texas law does not specifically outline how one can carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun. However, Texas law generally authorises individuals to openly carry long guns in public spaces. There are no restrictions on the number of long guns that can be carried.
While there are no restrictions on the type of holster for handguns, long guns must not be displayed in a "manner calculated to alarm" others. This means that long guns cannot be displayed in public places in a way that is intended to cause alarm.
There are some places where firearms are banned, including correctional facilities, civil commitment facilities, hospitals, nursing facilities, and mental hospitals. Additionally, individuals are prohibited from carrying firearms within 1,000 feet of a state execution.
It is important to note that some people are prohibited by law from owning or possessing any firearm, including long guns. Texas law sets the age requirement to carry a gun at 21 years old, although an individual must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun.
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Carrying handguns in a holster
Texas law allows individuals to openly carry handguns in most public places, as long as the firearm is in a holster. The handgun may be partially or wholly visible to another person, but it must be holstered. This law was enacted in 2021, removing the requirement for individuals to obtain a license to carry (LTC) or a handgun license to openly carry a firearm in public.
The type of holster is not defined or restricted by Texas law. This means that individuals can carry their handguns using a variety of holsters, such as belly bands, waistband holsters, pocket holsters, ankle holsters, thigh holsters, or shoulder holsters.
There are, however, certain places where handguns are prohibited, whether openly carried or concealed. These places include high school, college, interscholastic, or professional sporting events (unless the participant requires the weapon for the event); correctional facilities; civil commitment facilities; hospitals; nursing facilities; and mental hospitals. Additionally, individuals are generally restricted from openly carrying handguns in motor vehicles or watercraft that they own or are under their control, unless the firearm is in a holster, and they are either at least 21 years old or licensed to carry a handgun.
It is important to note that Texas law gives most private property owners the authority to decide whether they allow guns on their premises. Therefore, individuals should be mindful of signage or requests from authorized persons to leave the premises if they are carrying a firearm.
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Concealing a gun
Texas is a
As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have an LTC to carry a handgun in most public places. However, some places are always off-limits, such as correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing facilities, and mental hospitals. Additionally, certain areas, such as racetracks and secure areas of airports, are off-limits for carrying handguns.
Texas law does not specifically put restrictions on how a person can carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun. However, some people are prohibited by law from owning or possessing any firearm. Texas's
While Texas law allows for the concealment of firearms, it is important to note that some individuals may prefer to open carry in certain situations, such as when working on a ranch or in rural areas. Ultimately, the decision to conceal or open carry depends on various factors, including local laws, personal preference, and the specific circumstances of the individual.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) to carry a handgun in most public places. Texans can still get a license to carry if they wish.
Yes, there are some restrictions on carrying firearms in Texas. Texas law makes some places off-limits to firearms, including correctional facilities, hospitals, and governmental meeting rooms. Additionally, individuals must be 21 or older and cannot have prior felony convictions to carry a firearm in the state.
Open carry is generally permitted in Texas in most public places where concealed carry of handguns was previously allowed. However, there are specific locations where open carry remains prohibited, and individuals must carry their handguns in a holster.
