Texas Carry Laws

Duty to Inform - Must Notify Police

Texas: You MUST immediately inform law enforcement you are carrying when contacted. Must display LTC when asked for ID by peace officer (Gov't Code 411.205)

DUTY TO INFORM LAW ENFORCEMENT

TEXAS REQUIREMENT
Type: MUST INFORM
Must display LTC when asked for ID by peace officer (Gov't Code 411.205)

WHAT THIS MEANS
You are legally required to immediately inform any law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm during any official contact (traffic stop, etc.). Failure to do so may result in criminal charges.

BEST PRACTICES
1. Keep your hands visible at all times
2. Immediately state: 'Officer, I want to inform you that I have a valid permit and am carrying a firearm.'
3. Do not reach for your firearm or permit unless instructed
4. Follow all officer instructions
5. Keep your permit with your driver's license for easy access

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
Failure to inform can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential permit revocation.

DURING TRAFFIC STOPS
• Keep hands on steering wheel
• Turn on interior light if dark
• Inform officer before reaching for documents
• Let officer control the situation

No-Carry Signs Have Force of Law

Texas: Posted 'No Firearms' signs have legal force. 30.06 (concealed) and 30.07 (open carry) signs have force of law. Violation is Class C misdemeanor.

"NO FIREARMS" SIGN LAWS

TEXAS LAW
SIGNS HAVE FORCE OF LAW
30.06 (concealed) and 30.07 (open carry) signs have force of law. Violation is Class C misdemeanor.

WHAT THIS MEANS
Carrying past a properly posted sign is a criminal offense, typically a misdemeanor. You can be arrested even if you have a valid permit.

STATES WHERE SIGNS HAVE FORCE OF LAW
AR, IL, KS, MO, NC, NM, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA

STATES WHERE SIGNS DO NOT HAVE FORCE OF LAW
AZ, CO, FL, GA, MI, PA, WI

SIGN REQUIREMENTS
In Texas, signs must typically meet specific requirements:
• Clearly visible at entry points
• Specific language or symbols
• Proper size (varies by state)
• May require specific legal citations

TEXAS SPECIFIC (30.06/30.07)
Texas has unique signage:
• 30.06 Signs: Prohibit concealed carry
• 30.07 Signs: Prohibit open carry
• Must meet specific size and language requirements
• Violation is Class C misdemeanor

BEST PRACTICE
Regardless of whether signs have force of law, carrying where prohibited creates risk:
• Confrontation with property owners/staff
• Police involvement
• Potential permit issues
• When in doubt, secure firearm in vehicle

Prohibited Locations

Firearms prohibited in schools (30.06), polling places, courts, secure airport areas, racetracks, correctional facilities, bars (51% establishments), and businesses posting 30.06/30.07 signs.

Firearms prohibited in schools (30.06), polling places, courts, secure airport areas, racetracks, correctional facilities, bars (51% establishments), and businesses posting 30.06/30.07 signs.

Prohibited Places - Where You Cannot Carry

Texas: Firearms prohibited in certain locations even with permit. Schools, federal buildings, courthouses, and state-specific restricted areas.

WHERE CONCEALED CARRY IS PROHIBITED

FEDERAL PROHIBITED LOCATIONS (ALL STATES)
• Schools and school grounds (Gun-Free School Zones Act - 1000 ft)
• Federal buildings and courthouses
• Post offices
• IRS offices
• VA facilities
• Military bases
• Amtrak trains and facilities
• Secured areas of airports (past TSA checkpoint)

TEXAS STATE PROHIBITED LOCATIONS
• Bars (51% establishments)
• Sporting events
• Correctional facilities
• Hospitals
• Amusement parks
• Racetracks
• Businesses posting 30.06/30.07 signs

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
• Federal locations: Federal felony charges
• State locations: Varies by state - typically misdemeanor, possible felony
• Permit revocation: Likely in most cases
• Criminal record: May affect future permit eligibility

SIGNS AND POSTINGS
Watch for "No Firearms" signs. In some states, these signs have force of law.
Texas: Signs have force of law

PRIVATE PROPERTY
Property owners generally have the right to prohibit firearms. Respect posted signs and verbal requests.

WHEN IN DOUBT
If unsure whether carry is permitted, secure your firearm in your vehicle before entering.

Constitutional Carry State

Texas allows permitless carry for adults 21+. No license required to carry a handgun openly or concealed. LTC still available for reciprocity benefits when traveling.

Texas allows permitless carry for adults 21+. No license required to carry a handgun openly or concealed. LTC still available for reciprocity benefits when traveling.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Texas has no state-level magazine capacity restrictions. Standard and extended magazines are legal.

MAGAZINE CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS

TEXAS LAW
No state restrictions on magazine capacity.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
You may possess and carry magazines of any capacity.
However, some local jurisdictions may have restrictions. Check local laws.

STATES WITH MAGAZINE LIMITS
| State | Limit | Notes |
|-------|-------|-------|
| CA | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds. Large-capacity magazines prohibited... |
| CT | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds (CGS § 53-202w)... |
| DC | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds... |
| HI | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds for pistols... |
| MA | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds unless pre-ban... |
| MD | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds... |
| NJ | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds... |
| NY | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds (7 for loading)... |
| OR | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds (Measure 114, effective 2023)... |
| RI | 10 rounds | Max 10 rounds (effective June 2022)... |

IF TRAVELING FROM ANOTHER STATE
Your standard-capacity magazines are legal in Texas.

FEDERAL FACILITIES
Note: Some federal facilities may have their own restrictions regardless of state law.

No Red Flag Law

Texas does not have a state Red Flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order statute).

RED FLAG LAWS (EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS)

TEXAS STATUS
No state Red Flag law

WHAT IS A RED FLAG LAW?
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as "Red Flag" laws, allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

HOW ERPOS WORK (IN STATES THAT HAVE THEM)
1. Who can petition: Family members, law enforcement, sometimes medical professionals
2. Initial order: Judge may issue temporary order (often ex parte - without the subject present)
3. Hearing: Full hearing typically within 14-21 days
4. Duration: Usually 1 year, can be renewed
5. Firearms: Must be surrendered or transferred during order

STATES WITH RED FLAG LAWS
CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, VA, VT, WA

YOUR RIGHTS
In states with Red Flag laws:
• You have the right to a hearing
• You can present evidence and witnesses
• You can be represented by an attorney
• Orders can be contested and appealed
• Firearms must be returned when order expires (if not renewed)

FEDERAL NOTE
There is no federal Red Flag law, but some federal facilities may have similar policies.

Stand Your Ground - No Duty to Retreat

Texas: Stand Your Ground state. No duty to retreat before using force in self-defense anywhere you have a legal right to be.

SELF-DEFENSE LAWS

TEXAS LAW
Stand Your Ground: YES
Castle Doctrine: YES

Stand Your Ground (Penal Code 9.31). No duty to retreat.

WHAT THIS MEANS

Stand Your Ground: You have no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense in any place where you have a legal right to be. If you reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm, you may defend yourself.

CASTLE DOCTRINE
Texas recognizes the Castle Doctrine, meaning:
• No duty to retreat in your home
• Presumption that intruders intend harm
• Greater legal protection for home defense

KEY LEGAL CONCEPTS
1. Reasonable belief: You must reasonably believe force is necessary
2. Imminent threat: The threat must be immediate
3. Proportional response: Force used should match the threat
4. Not the aggressor: You cannot claim self-defense if you started the conflict

AFTER A SELF-DEFENSE INCIDENT
1. Call 911 immediately
2. Request medical assistance if needed
3. State you were in fear for your life
4. Cooperate but exercise right to counsel
5. Do not give detailed statements without attorney

IMPORTANT WARNINGS
• Self-defense laws are complex and fact-specific
• Consult an attorney for legal advice
• Every use of force may be investigated
• Civil liability may exist even if criminally justified

Vehicle Carry - Loaded Firearms Allowed

Texas: Constitutional carry state. Adults may carry loaded firearms in vehicles without permit.

TRANSPORTING FIREARMS IN VEHICLES

TEXAS RULES
Constitutional Carry State: Loaded firearms may be carried in vehicles without a permit by eligible adults.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

With Concealed Carry Permit:
• Loaded carry in vehicle typically permitted
• Keep permit accessible
• Follow duty-to-inform rules if stopped

Without Permit:
• Constitutional carry applies - loaded carry allowed

INTERSTATE TRAVEL (FOPA PROTECTION)
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 926A) protects interstate transport if:
• Firearm is unloaded
• Not readily accessible from passenger compartment
• Ammunition stored separately
• Legal in both origin and destination states

Note: FOPA does not protect stopping in restrictive states.

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS

Glove Box/Console:
Texas: Loaded carry permitted in glove box/console

Trunk:
Generally safest location for unloaded, cased firearms during transport.

Motorcycles:
Same rules apply - secure in locked container if required.

AT TRAFFIC STOPS
1. Keep hands visible
2. Inform officer if required (duty to inform)
3. Do not reach for firearm
4. Follow officer instructions