TCHA: Civilian Carry

Where Can You Take a Gun?

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This chart looks simple. Texas law is not. Please click on the hot words for footnote information. This chart is a guideline, not legal advice. © 1998, 1999, 2007: Larry Arnold

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Civilian Carry of Firearms in Texas	Nonlicensed Civilian		Licensed Civilian
Location	Long gun	Handgun	Long gun	Handgun
Routine carry in public places not licensed to sell alcohol, and which are not posted with a 30.06 sign.	Legal	Misd.	Legal	Legal
A persons' own premises or premises under their control, including in their motor vehicle. (Handguns in a vehicle must be concealed.)	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal
Employees at their workplace.	Policy	Policy	Policy	Policy
The premises of businesses licensed to sell alcohol.	Felony	Felony	Legal	Legal
A business receiving 51% of its income from serving alcohol.	Legal	Felony	Legal	Felony
School premises, without permission.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
Professional sporting event.	Legal	Misd.	Legal	Misd.
Premises of a paramutual race track: horse or dog racing.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
Voting place, including during early voting. Don't carry past the "No Campaigning" signs.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
The premises of a courtroom, without permission.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
Secure area of an airport, inside the metal detectors.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
Correctional facility.	Felony	Felony	Felony	Felony
On another person's premises, after effective 30.06 notification.	Misd.	Misd.	Misd.	Misd.
On Federal Property.	This chart reflects Texas law; the Federal government sets its own rules on Federal property. Obey all signs and call for information before visiting.

Persons who are not included in this chart:

Under Texas law CHL licensed judges and law enforcement officers can carry firearms almost anywhere, whether they are on or off duty.
On duty security officers must operate by security officer, not CHL, rules. An on-duty officer must be properly certified to carry a handgun or club. Except as provided by their written policies, they may not carry a handgun where a civilian is prohibited from carrying a long gun.
Under Texas law parole and probation officers, in the actual discharge of official duties and as provided by their written policies, may carry a weapon almost anywhere in the state.
A guard at a penal institution, in the actual discharge of official duties, may carry a handgun or club. Except as provided by their written policies, they may not carry a handgun where a civilian is prohibited from carrying a long gun.
Military personnel in the actual discharge of official duties may carry a handgun or club. Except as provided by their written policies, they may not carry a handgun where a civilian is prohibited from carrying a long gun.