Understanding Your Knife Rights in Texas: A Legal Guide
Texas knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, expanding the rights of knife owners while maintaining some restrictions. This guide will help you understand your current knife rights in Texas.
General Knife Ownership and Carry
As of September 1, 2017, Texas law allows adults (18 years and older) to own and carry almost any type of knife, both openly and concealed. This includes:
- Knives with blades over 5.5 inches
- Bowie knives
- Daggers
- Dirks
- Stilettos
- Poniards
- Swords
- Machetes
- Spears
There are no specific licensing or registration requirements for carrying knives in Texas.
Location-Restricted Knives
While most knives can be carried freely, the law introduced the concept of “location-restricted knives,” which are defined as knives with blades over 5.5 inches. These knives are legal to own and carry but are prohibited in certain locations.
Restricted Locations
Location-restricted knives cannot be carried in the following places:
- Schools and school buses
- Polling places
- Courts or court offices
- Airports (secured areas)
- Bars and restaurants that derive 51% or more of their income from alcohol sales
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Amusement parks
- Churches and other places of worship
Age Restrictions
The legal age to carry a knife (open or concealed) in Texas is 18 years old. While individuals under 18 can own knives, they are only permitted to carry them:
- On their own premises
- In a vehicle or boat they own or control
- Under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian
Penalties for Violations
Violating Texas knife laws can result in criminal charges:
- Carrying a location-restricted knife in a prohibited area is typically a Class C misdemeanor.
- If the offense occurs on premises licensed for alcohol sales, it can be elevated to a third-degree felony.
Historical Context
The significant changes to Texas knife laws came with the passing of House Bill 1935 in 2017. This legislation removed the category of “illegal knives” and expanded knife owners’ freedoms. The changes were driven by the belief that knives, like firearms, are tools for self-defense protected under the Second Amendment.
By understanding these laws, knife owners in Texas can exercise their rights while remaining compliant with current regulations.
Sources
- https://www.kylewhitaker.com/2021/08/can-you-carry-a-knife-on-you-in-texas/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/texas-knife-laws/
- https://www.texastribune.org/2017/09/12/new-texas-law-expands-knife-freedoms/
- https://sharpcriminalattorney.com/blog/criminal-law/open-carry-texas-swords-knives/
- https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/
