Legal Details
30.06 and 30.07 Sign Requirements
Photo: Rhododendrites (Public Domain (U.S. Gov))
| Identification | |
|---|---|
Citation | Tex. Penal Code §§ 30.06, 30.07 |
| Code Sections |
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| Jurisdiction | |
Territory | Texas |
Enacted By | Texas Legislature |
Administered By | Texas Department of Public Safety |
| Key Provisions | |
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| Applicability | |
| Applies To | License holders carrying handguns (does not apply to unlicensed constitutional carriers, other weapons, or on government property) |
| Exemptions |
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| Penalties | Criminal trespass charges, potential loss of license to carry, fines and legal fees |
Related Laws | |
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| Major Amendments | |
2021Constitutional carry law passed, creating legal distinction where signs only apply to license holders while unlicensed carriers may legally carry in some places where licensed carriers cannot | |
Texas Prohibited Places (30.06/30.07)
Legal information and analysis
From The Boise Gun Club Handbook
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gun laws can be complex and change frequently. Always consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal questions and verify current laws before making decisions about firearm carry.
These two signs determine where you can and can't carry in Texas--and getting it wrong means criminal trespass charges, plus losing your license to carry.
- 30.06 signs ban concealed carry by license holders
- 30.07 signs ban open carry by license holders
- Property owners can post one, both, or neither
- Government buildings cannot use these signs on public property
Here's the weird part--since constitutional carry passed in 2021, adults 21+ don't need licenses to carry in most places. But these signs only apply to license holders. So an unlicensed carrier might legally walk into a place where you can't.
You need to read every sign like your freedom depends on it. See only a 30.06 while carrying concealed? You gotta leave. Only a 30.07 while open carrying? Same deal. But if you're concealed and only see a 30.07, you're legal.
I've walked into places with just a 30.07 posted, carrying concealed legally, and had employees lose their minds. The law is clear, but sometimes being technically right isn't worth the hassle.
What Makes Signs Legaledit
For these signs to stick criminal charges on you, they must meet exact requirements--specific wording, proper size, correct placement. Those generic "no guns" stickers you see everywhere? They can't land you a trespass charge under these statutes.
Legal Requirements
The property owner can still toss you out, but that's different from criminal penalties.
Generic "no guns" signs cannot result in criminal trespass charges under 30.06/30.07 statutes—but property owners can still ask you to leave.
Look for the actual 30.06/30.07 language and formatting. Real signs look like legal notices--long, boring, in English and Spanish. If it's a cute little sticker or handwritten note, it probably doesn't meet the statutory language requirements for criminal charges.
| Sign Type | Applies To | Legal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 30.06 Signs | Licensed concealed carry | Exact statutory language, English/Spanish, specific size/contrast requirements |
| 30.07 Signs | Licensed open carry | Exact statutory language, English/Spanish, specific size/contrast requirements |
| 51% Signs | All carry (licensed/unlicensed) | Red warning signs at establishments deriving >51% revenue from alcohol |
| Generic "No Guns" | No criminal penalty | Property owner can ask you to leave, but no statutory violation |
Different Sign Types
Don't confuse these with 51% signs--those red warnings at bars that make most of their money from booze. Those ban everyone, licensed or not, and carry felony charges.
Reading the Roomedit
Business Patterns
Chain stores love posting both signs because corporate lawyers prefer belt-and-suspenders policies. Can't blame them--easier to ban everything than think through the nuances.
Restaurants might post just 30.07 if they're worried about customers getting spooked by visible guns but don't mind concealed carry.
| Business Type | Common Sign Combinations | Likely Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Stores | Both 30.06 and 30.07 | Corporate legal policies - ban everything |
| Restaurants | 30.07 only | Allow concealed, prohibit visible guns |
| Office Buildings | 30.06 only | Unclear logic - allow open carry only |
| Government Buildings | Cannot use these signs | Public property exemption |
Matching Signs to Carry Method
Office buildings sometimes go with only 30.06, though I've never figured out that logic.
Always check your carry method against the specific signs posted. Open carrying past a 30.06-only sign? You're good. Concealed past a 30.07-only? Also legal.
The Constitutional Carry Messedit
The legislature created a legal oddity when they passed constitutional carry but left the sign system untouched. These signs only restrict "license holders"--so someone without a license might legally carry where you can't.
Constitutional carry created a legal oddity: unlicensed carriers may legally enter places where license holders cannot.
Property owners who want to ban all carry need more than just these signs. Most haven't figured this out yet, but they will.
What To Do When You See Signsedit
Walking into any business, I automatically scan the entrance for signs. Thirty years of carrying makes it second nature. If you spot a sign that prohibits your carry method:
Immediate Actions
- Secure your gun in your vehicle if legal parking is available
- Switch carry methods if only one method is prohibited
- Leave and spend your money at a business that welcomes carry
Legal Consequences
Even if a sign doesn't meet technical requirements, property owners can ask you to leave. Fighting about sign validity in the parking lot is stupid--save that conversation for your lawyer if it comes to that.
The legal reality: Criminal trespass charges will cost you your license to carry, plus fines and legal fees. No errand is worth that mess.
No errand is worth losing your license to carry. When in doubt, secure your firearm or leave the premises.
Common Screwupsedit
| Common Mistake | Reality | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Any "no weapons" sign applies | Only statutory 30.06/30.07 signs carry criminal penalties | Unnecessary compliance |
| Don't distinguish 30.06 vs 30.07 | Each applies to different carry method | Wrong carry method = violation |
| Government buildings can post signs | These signs invalid on public property | False compliance |
| Must see sign to be charged | Proper posting is sufficient | Ignorance not a defense |
| Signs apply to all carriers | Only restricts license holders | Unlicensed carriers may be exempt |
Scope of Restrictions
These signs only restrict license holders carrying handguns. They don't apply to unlicensed carriers, other weapons, or government property.
The bottom line: Learn to spot the real signs, know which one applies to how you're carrying, and don't test the system. Texas takes property rights seriously, and these statutes have teeth.
Resourcesedit
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Laws That Relate to Carrying a Handgun FAQs
- Texas Penal Code § 30.06 (Criminal Trespass by License Holder with Concealed Handgun)
- Texas Penal Code § 30.07 (Criminal Trespass by License Holder with Openly Carried Handgun)
- Texas Penal Code § 46.035 (Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder)
- Local attorney familiar with Texas firearms law for specific legal questions
See Alsoedit
- Ace Hardware of Sandusky(Sandusky, MI)
- New Philly Sportsman Specialities(New Philadelphia, OH)
- Atwoods Ranch & Home #46(LACY LAKEVIEW, TX)
- G & P Distributors(McConnellsburg, PA)
This is not legal advice
This guide provides general information about federal and state firearms laws based on publicly available statutes. Laws change frequently and vary significantly by state. Always verify current laws in your jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice on your specific situation. When in doubt, contact local law enforcement or state police.
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