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The Lone Star state is one of the states that still follow traditional time-honored values. They are less restrictive to their citizens compared to other states. When it comes to gun laws, Texas probably has more freedom granted to its people. What if you’re a minor? This begs the question, can an 18-year old carry a handgun in Texas?
Can an 18 Year Old Carry a Handgun in Texas?
Under federal law, you must be at least 18 years old to possess a handgun and handgun ammunition. However, there are some exceptions such as defense against an intruder, target practice, hunting, or participating in a safety training course.
When it comes to long guns, federal law doesn’t restrict the child’s possession of firearms. A child is, under federal law, someone under the age of 17 years. As long as the child has parental permission and the gun is legally given by an adult, there is no violation of the law.
Under the Texas penal code, a child won’t get into any trouble but any adult person who transfers or carelessly makes readily dischargeable firearms accessible to a child can be liable.
Can an 18 Year Old Buy a Handgun in Texas?
Under federal law, you have to be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. For long guns, you have to be at least 18 years old. In Texas, you can purchase a handgun even if you’re 18 years old.
That being said, 18-year-olds can bypass federal law by buying through a private sale. Texas residents between 18 to 21 years of age can’t buy a handgun through an FFL dealer but can buy one from another Texas resident. A private sale is any sale between 2 unlicensed dealers.
I don’t usually recommend this as you may be held liable for whatever the 18-year-old you sell the handgun to will do with it.
Can an 18 Year Old Have a Pistol in His Car in Texas?
In Texas, there’s no statute that prohibits an 18-year-old from the possession of a handgun. Under MPA, they can, but they wouldn’t have a license to carry until they’re 21 years old with the exception of military members.
Under Texas penal code 46.02, it is not illegal to have a pistol or firearms in your car as long as it’s concealed in the vehicle and not in plain view. This means any person who can legally possess a handgun can carry it within a vehicle. There are some exceptions to this law like:
- A person with a licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government code
- Or the handgun is carried in a shoulder or belt holster
It’s also illegal to transfer a firearm to someone younger than 18 under Texas penal code 46.06. If you have a Texas license to carry or a firearms license from another state that Texas honors then concealing the firearms in your vehicle isn’t necessary.
Can You Open Carry at 18 Texas?
In order to open carry a handgun in Texas, you will need an LTC (license to carry). If you do not have an LTC or other state license Texas honors then you can only open carry if the firearm is in a shoulder or belt holster. The police also have the authority to ask for your license to carry when you’re open carrying.
You can also open carry a sidearm if you’re out hunting. When it comes to long guns, you can open carry them in most cases but are limited by disorderly conduct statutes. So there are certain restrictions and limitations when you open carry in public places like the parking lot, market, or movie theaters.
List of areas that can legally restrict someone with CHL (concealed handgun license) from carrying a firearm. This also applies to open carry:
- Any property owned by the federal government of the United States including post offices.
- Educational institutions of all types, whether public or private and irrespective of grade level.
- Locations of public sporting events. This includes both scholastic and professional sporting events. The only exception is for people who are participating in a sporting event where it requires the use of a firearm like a target shooting competition.
- Any business that posts a 51% sign – this refers to locations where alcoholic beverages are being sold on the premise.
- Correctional facilities do not allow the carry of a weapon, concealed or not, while on the property of a jail, prison, or other correctional facilities.
- Courts of all jurisdiction levels, including local, state, and federal. However, certain exceptions are made in the case of employees of the court like judges, guards, and attorneys.
- Election polling locations.
- Racetracks where dogs, horses, and/or auto racing is held.
- Any location displaying a 30.06 sign. Any property owner can prevent you from being armed while on their premises. It doesn’t matter if you have a CHL license or not. The sign must be displayed publicly for other people for it to apply.
Texas Law Comparison with Age Bracket
| Texas Law | 18 – 20 Years Old | 21 Years Old and Above |
|---|---|---|
| Handguns | Need a license to carry | Doesn’t need a license to carry |
| Open Carry | Need a license to carry | Doesn’t need a license to carry |
| Long Guns | No specific law that restricts them | No specific law that restricts them |
Related Questions
Where Is It Legal to Open Carry?
Any place in Texas where you can conceal carry is also legal to open carry. Do note that this only applies to 21 years old and above.
Can You Carry a Handgun Without a License During a Disaster in Texas?
People who can legally possess a firearm can carry a handgun without a license during disasters in Texas. Do note that a declaration of a state of disaster or a local state of disaster must occur.
Is There a Limit to the Number of Firearms You Can Carry?
There’s no law in Texas that limits the number of handguns that you can carry.
Conclusion
Texas is one of the few states that give more freedom to their citizen when it comes to gun rights. Even 18-year-olds are allowed to possess a gun but they aren’t allowed to buy one. There are laws and a bit of restriction yet it’s all in the name of safety.
