Carrying a firearm in public is legal in most states, including Texas. However, there are laws in place that gun owners must follow. This includes receiving a license, understanding the rules for private locations and businesses, and knowing how to store the pistol. The firearms education pros from Online LTC, a premier provider of LTC and CHL online classes, offer some tips for gun owners, including information on why it’s necessary to have a Texas license to carry, how to obtain it, and what you can do to comply with other rules and regulations regarding your firearm.
Carrying Regulations
After you’ve obtained a license, you’re required to keep it with you when carrying the firearm. A peace officer has the legal right to ask to see the license, as do officers of the court. Keep in mind that law enforcement may ask to see the license if you’re accused of suspicious behavior, such as displaying the gun. The firearm must be placed in a belt holster or shoulder holster if open carrying. It doesn’t need to be concealed. However, you must have a valid license to carry to open carry a handgun. You have the right to carry multiple legal guns in the state as long as you have a valid permit. The permit doesn’t specify any particular gun that must be carried.
Gun-Free Zones
Even with an open carry license, you cannot take the firearm everywhere in Texas. Some businesses and organizations don’t permit guns, and ignoring those restrictions could lead to fines and the potential loss of a gun license. For instance, guns are prohibited on school property, even when classes aren’t in session. This means you cannot take a gun to a local high school football stadium, even if the sports team has no affiliation with the school and is renting the facility. Although businesses have the right to ban guns on their property, these organizations must post signs stating their bans.
Some gun-free zones include:
• Polling sites
• Secured areas of an airport
• Schools
• Courthouses
• Businesses with signs prohibiting licensed guns
Consequences
Carrying a gun at your home or on your other property, such as a boat, doesn’t typically require a permit, but you must meet specific requirements, such as being 18 or older. However, if you choose to carry the gun in public for personal protection, you’ll need a license. Failure to obtain a permit while openly carrying a firearm in the state of Texas will have legal consequences, which could include a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the situation. The fines could be more than $2,000, and you could face a year in jail or more.
Online Classes
These are some of the many facts and tips regarding owning a firearm and legally carrying it. However, you can learn about Texas laws and more details when you take an online license to carry class. The course will go over your options, ensure you understand the paperwork to obtain a valid permit, and give you valuable tips to prevent legal issues and safety problems.
When you’re ready to get your Texas LTC, make sure you choose a premier training provider. Online Texas LTC is committed to offering the best firearms training possible. When they need information on firearms safety or they want to take a Texas LTC online course, gun owners trust the expertise of the pros from Online Texas LTC. If you have questions about any aspect of gun ownership in Texas, give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
