Harris County, TX Firearms: Open Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- Open carry status
- Legal, age 21+
- Permit needed
- None since HB 1927
- Required mode
- Holstered handgun
- County rules
- None added
Summary
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. Harris County adds no local rule; state sensitive-place limits still apply.
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 the date the instant offense was committed; and(3) is not:(A) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or(B) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control.
Full Breakdown
Open carry of a holstered handgun has been legal in Texas since 2016 with a License to Carry, and HB 1927 (2021) extended permitless open carry to most adults 21 and older under Texas Penal Code 46.02. Long guns may be openly carried by adults absent disqualification. In Harris County, no county ordinance restricts open carry on public sidewalks, in vehicles, or at most public places. State sensitive-place limits in Penal Code 46.03 and 46.035, including the courthouse, jail, schools, polling places, and 51-percent alcohol establishments, still apply. Posted private property under Penal Code 30.07 can exclude open carriers. Disorderly conduct under Penal Code 42.01 covers display calculated to alarm.
Violations & Fines
Disorderly display of a firearm under Penal Code 42.01 is a Class B misdemeanor; carrying in posted or prohibited locations is a Class A misdemeanor or felony with fines up to four thousand dollars and possible jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I openly carry a holstered handgun on a Harris County sidewalk?
Can I open carry inside the Harris County courthouse?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas firearms overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.