Open Carry: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do open carry rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
Texas allows open carry of handguns in a holster for adults 21 and older. House Bill 1927 (2021) removed the License to Carry requirement. Long guns have long been openly carried. San Antonio adds no local rules; only state sensitive-place limits apply.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Open carry status | Legal, age 21+ | - |
| Permit needed | None since HB 1927 | - |
| Required mode | Holstered handgun | - |
| Local SA rules | None added | - |
| Open Carry Statute | - | Penal Code 46.02 |
| Holster Required | - | Yes, handguns |
| Long Guns | - | Generally lawful |
| Local Bans | - | Preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Can I openly carry a holstered handgun on a San Antonio sidewalk?
Yes, if you are 21 or older and not federally prohibited. HB 1927 allows permitless open or concealed carry of holstered handguns. Sensitive places and posted private property remain off-limits.
Is open carry of a rifle allowed near the River Walk?
Generally yes for adults not prohibited from possessing firearms, but displaying it to alarm others can trigger disorderly conduct under Penal Code 42.01. Federal buildings and posted areas still restrict carry.
Universal City FAQ
Can I open carry a handgun in a Texas city park?
Generally yes if you meet age and eligibility requirements and the handgun is holstered. Cities cannot ban open carry in parks under preemption, though statutory off-limits locations still apply.
Is long gun open carry legal in Texas?
Yes, with no permit required, but carrying a rifle or shotgun in a manner calculated to cause alarm can constitute disorderly conduct under Penal Code 42.01(a)(8).
Can a private business ban open carry?
Yes. Property owners can post a compliant Penal Code 30.07 sign or give verbal notice prohibiting open carry of handguns on their premises.
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