4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Dallas County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Texas Government Code section 229.001 preempts city firearm rules, and section 236.002 imposes an even stricter ban on counties. Dallas County Commissioners cannot regulate ownership, sale, transport, or carry. The Dallas County Sheriff issues License to Carry fingerprints and enforces only state firearm law.
House Bill 1927 (2021) lets most Texans 21 and older carry a handgun concealed without a permit anywhere in Dallas County. The optional License to Carry through Texas DPS still provides reciprocity, sensitive-place benefits, and federal background-check shortcuts.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a) — Unlawful Carrying Weapons (permitless carry at 21+)
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun; (2) at the time of the offense: (A) is younger than 21 years of age; or (B) has been convicted of an offense under Section 22.01(a)(1), 22.05, 22.07, or 42.01(a)(7) or (8) committed in the five-year period preceding th...
Texas allows open carry of holstered handguns by adults 21 and older without a permit. House Bill 1927 (2021) ended the License to Carry requirement. Long guns may also be openly carried. Dallas County adds no local rule; state sensitive-place limits apply.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a-1) — Unlawful Carrying Weapons (plain-view/open carry in vehicle)
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS ... (a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which: (1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is 21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a ...
Texas Penal Code section 46.02(a-1), the Motorist Protection Act expanded by HB 1927, lets any adult legally entitled to possess a firearm carry a handgun inside their motor vehicle or watercraft. No permit is required, and the handgun may be loaded.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a-1) — Handgun in Motor Vehicle
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS ... (a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which: (1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is 21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a ...
1 cities in Dallas County have their own firearms rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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