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Austin, TX Firearms: Open Carry (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Authority
Texas HB 1927 constitutional carry
Holster Required
Shoulder or belt holster
Long Guns
Allowed if non-alarming manner
Posted Signs
Sec. 30.07 bars open carry

Summary

Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Austin cannot restrict open carry beyond state law except on city property and posted private property.

Sec. 46.035. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE HOLDER. (a) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally displays the handgun in plain view of another person in a public place. It is an exception to the application of this subsection that the handgun was partially or wholly visible but was: (1) carried in a holster by the license holder; or (2) in a holster, and the handgun and the license holder were in a motor vehicle.

Source: Austin City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Since 2016 Texas allowed open carry of handguns with a license, and House Bill 1927 in 2021 made open carry permitless for eligible adults 21 and older. Long guns, including rifles and shotguns, may be openly carried so long as the manner does not alarm others under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01. Handguns must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster. Austin cannot prohibit lawful open carry on public sidewalks or roadways. Private businesses may post Sec. 30.07 signs banning open carry. Open carry remains prohibited in schools, courthouses, polling locations, secured airport zones, racetracks, and bars deriving over 51 percent revenue from alcohol.

Violations & Fines

Improper open carry, carrying without a holster, or carrying in prohibited zones is a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code Sec. 46.035, punishable by up to $4,000 fine and one year in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I openly carry a handgun in Austin without a permit?
Yes. Adults 21 and older may openly carry handguns in shoulder or belt holsters without a license, provided they are not federally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Are rifles allowed to be openly carried?
Yes, but carrying a rifle in a manner calculated to cause alarm violates Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 disorderly conduct. Use discretion in crowded public places like Sixth Street.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Austin

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsConcealed CarryFew RestrictionsFirearms in VehiclesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Austin rules

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