TX State Law Library Only CC Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
HOW MUST YOU CARRY A HANDGUN
UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY?
Two Methods of Carrying Under Texas Constitutional Carry
A person carrying a handgun under the authority of Texas Constitutional Carry may either carry (1)
concealed or (2) openly in a holster.
1. Concealed: No part of the handgun is visible based on ordinary observation.
Examples of concealed carry: No part of the handgun is visible while inside a pocket, bag,
holster, case, or jacket. This is not an exhaustive list.
2. Openly in a holster: A handgun that is partially or wholly visible based on ordinary
observation must be carried in a holster.
Examples of open carry in a holster: handgun is partially or wholly visible while being
carried in a belt holster, shoulder holster, ankle holster, appendix holster, pilot holster,
chest holster, or backpack holster (to name a few). The possibilities are endless!
Law Change Alert: Simplified Holster Requirement – All references to “shoulder or belt”
concerning holsters have been removed from Texas law. All that remains is “holster.”
Previously, an openly carried handgun by a license holder was required to be carried in a
“shoulder or belt holster.” Now, handguns carried openly by license holders and persons
carrying in public under the authority of the Act need only use a “holster” and are not
required to use a “shoulder or belt” holster specifically.
Tip: The simplified holster requirement allows the use of vehicle holsters (e.g., magnetic
dashboard holsters).
Concealed Carry Holster vs. Open Carry Holster
U.S. LawShield
TEXAS CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY GUIDE 2021
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