Texas Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Texas. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Texas for civilians without felony convictions. There have been recent legislative proposals (e.g., HB 2383 in 2025) to increase penalties for wearing body armor during the commission of a crime, but the core statute, Penal Code § 46.0...
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Texas has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal. Texas has a large tactical retail market and strong civilian body armor demand.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions. Wide retail availability.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Texas does not have a specific state-level enhanced sentencing provision for body armor worn during crimes, though it may be considered an aggravating factor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
RESTRICTEDTexas law classifies brass knuckles as prohibited weapons under Penal Code § 46.05. Possession, manufacture, or sale is illegal except by licensed dealers or for law enforcement purposes. However, recent legislative changes have decriminalized possession in some contexts.
Possession
Generally illegal to possess; however, possession is no longer a criminal offense as of September 1, 2019, but carrying them is still prohibited.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell except by licensed dealers.
Penalties
Previously a Class A misdemeanor; now possession is not criminal but carrying is prohibited and punishable.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in Texas, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Constitutional carry is legal in Texas under the permitless carry law (HB 1927, effective September 2021). Both open and concealed carry are permitted without a license for adults 21 and older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Permitless Carry Rules
Legal for 21+ to carry concealed or openly without a license; prohibited persons still barred.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under Texas Penal Code Chapter 46; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Illegal carry by prohibited persons is a felony; other violations vary.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for permitless carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Texas with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Texas with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Texas without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Texas became a constitutional carry state in 2021, which was the last major change to its carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDTexas allows the possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense with certain restrictions. Under Texas Penal Code § 46.01(6), pepper spray is legal with restrictions if the container holds less than 2 ounces. No permit is required, but sale to minors under 18 is prohibited.
Carrying
Legal if container is less than 2 ounces; no permit required.
Purchase
Sale to persons under 18 prohibited.
Penalties
Possession of larger containers or sale to minors can result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Texas. Texas law does not prohibit suppressors and does not impose additional state restrictions on their possession or sale.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance; no additional state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Texas law allows possession, sale, and carry of switchblades (automatic knives) without restriction. The Texas Penal Code § 46.01(6) excludes switchblades from prohibited knives, and there are no statewide restrictions on automatic knives.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Texas. No significant legislative changes since the current laws on stun guns and self-defense were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+