Firearms Signs and Criminal Trespass: What Is the 30.06 Law in Texas and How Can a Past DWI Affect Your Right to Carry?

Firearms Signs and Criminal Trespass: what is the 30.06 law in Texas and how can a past DWI affect your right to carry where those signs are posted?

The short answer: the 30.06 law in Texas is the rule that lets private property owners give written notice that concealed carry by license holders is not allowed, and entering or staying after notice can be charged as criminal trespass by a license holder. In practice, a proper 30.06 sign or an oral warning means you must not carry a concealed handgun on that property. If you have a past or pending DWI, your eligibility to carry or even possess a firearm can be limited depending on the conviction level and timing, which changes how you should respond when you see 30.06 or related signs.

You live and work in Houston. You likely move in and out of stores, jobsites, and restaurants every day. A simple sign on a glass door can create criminal exposure if you miss it. This guide explains what 30.06 requires, how it differs from 30.07 and 30.05, and how certain DWI outcomes can affect your firearm rights and carry options so you can avoid a trespass charge and keep your daily routine steady.

Quick answer for busy readers: what is the 30.06 law in Texas?

Thirty point zero six refers to Texas Penal Code Section 30.06. It covers “trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun.” Here is what that means for you:

• If a property owner or their agent gives notice that concealed carry by license holders is forbidden, you cannot carry a concealed handgun there.
• Notice can be written, usually a posted 30.06 sign that meets the statute’s format, or it can be oral, like a manager telling you no concealed carry is allowed.
• Written 30.06 notice must include the exact statutory wording in English and Spanish, be in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch tall, and be displayed conspicuously at the entrance. Many Houston businesses place the sign eye level on front doors.
• If you ignore a valid notice and stay, you risk a criminal trespass charge as a license holder. Leaving immediately when asked can help keep the charge at the low end. Refusing to leave can elevate it.

For a deeper legal overview written for business owners and the public, see the Texas State Law Library guide to §30.06/30.07 signs. It explains notice, signage elements, and how property owners use these tools.

Texas concealed carry 30.06 signs, 30.07 signs, and the 30.05 “No Firearms” option

Your day may take you from a jobsite in Harris County to lunch near Midtown, then to a supply store in Katy. The signage you see matters because different signs control different conduct.

• 30.06 signs block concealed carry by license holders. If you have a License to Carry, you must not carry concealed past a valid 30.06 sign. This is the rule many office towers and medical buildings use.
• 30.07 signs block open carry by license holders. A 30.07 sign does not bar concealed carry by a license holder, but it prohibits a holstered handgun carried openly. Some Houston restaurants and retailers choose this route to avoid causing alarm.
• 30.05 signs are another tool after permitless carry became law in 2021. A 30.05 sign can prohibit firearm carry by people who do not have a license, and it can be used to prohibit all carry depending on the wording. Many businesses now post 30.05 along with 30.06 and 30.07 to cover both licensed and unlicensed carry.
• TABC 51 percent signs are different. If a business earns 51 percent or more of revenue from on-premises alcohol sales, carry is prohibited altogether. The red “51%” sign means do not carry at all inside that bar or club.

If you prefer short definitions when comparing these rules, bookmark the firm’s plain-language definitions and FAQ about Texas DWI terms. It is a quick way to keep 30.06, 30.07, and related terms straight while you learn.

What counts as “notice” and what happens if you get it wrong

Notice is the heart of 30.06. Texas law recognizes two main types of notice for firearms at private property: written and oral. Written notice usually means a compliant sign at every public entrance. Oral notice can be a receptionist, security guard, or manager telling you that firearms are not permitted. If you are given oral notice, you must leave or disarm and secure the firearm appropriately before returning.

Penalties generally start at Class C misdemeanor levels, which can mean a fine up to 200 dollars if you promptly depart when told. If you refuse to leave after notice, or you return while still armed, the situation can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor in Texas can carry up to one year in county jail and a fine up to 4,000 dollars. For someone in construction management, even a low-level conviction for trespass by a license holder can create headaches with site access, employer policies, and professional trust.

Houston businesses posting 30.06 signage: real local examples

Here are practical scenarios based on normal days around Houston:

• Downtown medical tower: You approach a clinic near the Texas Medical Center. The lobby doors have large 30.06 and 30.07 signs. That means no concealed or open carry by license holders. You secure the firearm in your vehicle or at home, then enter for your appointment without risk.
• Midtown patio restaurant: The door only shows 30.07. If you hold a License to Carry, open carry is prohibited, but concealed carry remains allowed unless another notice is posted or staff gives oral notice. You keep the handgun fully concealed to comply.
• Big-box retailer in Katy: You see a 30.05 sign plus a 30.07 sign. The 30.05 sign can prohibit carry by unlicensed individuals and can be drafted to prohibit all carry. Combined with 30.07, open carry is barred. If you are unlicensed, assume all carry is off limits. If you are licensed, read carefully and be prepared to leave if staff gives oral notice.
• Washington Avenue bar with a red “51%” sign: Carry is barred regardless of license. Do not carry inside. If staff gives oral notice, leave immediately.

Micro-story: A Houston construction manager leaves a job walk-through to pick up fasteners at a supply store. He carries concealed with a valid license. On the glass door is a proper 30.06 sign he had not noticed before. The cashier quietly points to the sign. He thanks her, steps back out, secures the handgun in his locked truck, and returns. He avoids a trespass charge, keeps the purchase moving, and gets back to the site on time. The difference was a two-minute reset instead of a criminal case.

How DWI outcomes can change your firearm rights and your carry choices at 30.06 properties

Many people ask how a DWI affects gun rights. The short version is this: the effect depends on the level of the conviction, the time since disposition, and whether you seek a License to Carry or are only relying on permitless carry. It also matters whether the case involved a child passenger, injury, or prior convictions.

• Felony DWIs and related intoxication offenses: A felony conviction generally makes you a prohibited person for firearm possession under federal law. Examples include a third or subsequent DWI, DWI with a child passenger, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter. If you have any felony related to intoxication, get specific advice about possession before you decide whether to carry anywhere, regardless of posted signs.
• Class A or Class B DWI convictions: A first DWI is often a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. Class A can apply in certain circumstances, like a high alcohol concentration. While a Class B or Class A DWI does not automatically trigger a federal lifelong possession ban, it can block your License to Carry eligibility for a period, often five years from conviction or completion of sentencing conditions.
• Pending DWI charges: Pending Class B or higher charges can put a hold on LTC issuance. If charged, assume your carry permissions may change for eligibility purposes until the case is resolved.
• Protective orders and conditions of bond or probation: Protective orders can restrict possession. Some Harris County bond conditions or community supervision terms also include firearm restrictions while the case is active. Violating these can create new legal exposure separate from trespass rules.

If you want a full breakdown of offense grades, license consequences, and the range of penalties, start with this firm resource that compiles the basics in one place: overview of Texas DWI penalties and conviction types. For statutory text about intoxication and alcohol offenses, you can also review the Official Texas statutes on DWI and related offenses.

Some first DWIs remain misdemeanors. Others can turn into felonies because of aggravating facts. If you want more context about where that line is and why it changes firearm rights, see this related explainer: when a DWI can become a felony and why it matters.

What about permitless carry after a DWI?

Texas allows certain adults to carry a handgun without a license, subject to eligibility limits and location restrictions. A disqualifying conviction or an active protective order can make you ineligible. Even if you rely on permitless carry, 30.05 signs and oral notice still matter. If a property uses 30.05 to prohibit firearms, you must comply whether you have a license or not.

Common timelines to keep in your head

• Class B or Class A DWI and LTC: Expect an eligibility wait that often runs five years from the date the case is fully resolved. Check exact dates on your judgment or order, including the end of any community supervision.
• Felony DWI: Federal and state prohibitions can be long term. Restoration usually requires extraordinary relief, such as a pardon or other legal remedy that changes the conviction status. Get individualized legal advice before possessing or attempting to carry.
• Bond or probation conditions: Restrictions can apply immediately on day one. If your judge ordered no possession or no firearms in the home, follow it strictly until the court changes the order.

Criminal trespass by license holder, the practical dos and donts

You never plan to face a trespass ticket. You want simple habits that keep you on the right side of the signs and the law.

• Do scan every entrance for 30.06, 30.07, 30.05, and any red 51 percent signs. If you miss a sign at one door, you may still be on notice.
• Do ask politely if the sign is unclear. A quick question to a manager or receptionist is better than guessing wrong.
• Do leave immediately if given oral notice. Stepping out promptly can keep a situation at a low fine level and may avoid an arrest altogether.
• Do secure the firearm safely in compliance with law and employer policy before reentry. Many license holders keep a lockbox in the vehicle for this reason.
• Do keep paperwork about your case status, completion of probation, or relief orders. If your carry eligibility turns on dates, you want that documentation organized.
• Do not assume permitless carry overrides signs. It does not. Written or oral notice still controls.
• Do not argue policy at the door. The person at the entrance cannot change the law. Leave, sort it out later, and protect your record.
• Do not mix alcohol and carry. Even where carry is allowed, intoxication laws and 51 percent locations create serious additional risks.

Immediate checklist if you were arrested for DWI or are unsure about a posted sign

• Write down the dates of arrest, charge filings, and any court orders. Your timeframes for license, eligibility, or relief often run from these dates.
• Pull your judgment or deferred order if your case is over. Look for whether it is Class B, Class A, or a felony, and the date you finished all terms.
• Check signage wording and location. If a case involves alleged trespass at a business, note whether the sign was at each public entrance and whether it had the required bilingual text and size.
• Confirm any bond or probation conditions about firearms. Violating those is separate from trespass and can land you back in court quickly.
• Review a step guide so you keep control of the process. This resource can help you structure your next moves: step-by-step actions to protect your rights after arrest.
• Speak with a qualified Texas DWI lawyer about your exact facts. Eligibility rules and signage compliance are technical. A short consultation can keep a small problem from becoming a larger one.

Short asides for different readers

Analytical Planner: You want the source text and procedures. For signage, review the State Law Library’s 30.06 and 30.07 explanations linked above. For DWI offense definitions and grades, visit the Official Texas statutes on DWI and related offenses and compare them to your judgment. Build a timeline from arrest to completion of any supervision, then confirm LTC eligibility windows in light of those dates.

Career-Conscious Professional: Your concern is reputation and workplace policy. A trespass-by-license-holder citation can be a bigger employment issue than the fine, especially in safety-sensitive roles. Keep carry decisions conservative at client sites and plants. If a sign is present or staff gives oral notice, exit and secure the firearm, then return unarmed to protect your record and your standing at work.

High-Stakes Executive: You want low visibility and minimal records. Ask about options such as nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor DWIs once statutory waiting periods are met, or other confidentiality tools. Private property carry choices should track the most restrictive sign you see. Consider professional security planning when your schedule places you in mixed signage environments like downtown towers and event venues.

Uninformed Young Driver: A DWI is not just a fine. It can affect where you can carry, whether you can get a License to Carry, and how long you must wait to apply. Read signs, avoid bars with the red 51 percent sign if you are carrying, and never mix alcohol with a firearm in your possession.

Common misconceptions you can safely retire

• Myth: 30.06 signs only affect open carry. Reality: 30.06 is about concealed carry by license holders. 30.07 is about open carry.
• Myth: Permitless carry means signs do not matter. Reality: Written or oral notice still controls. A 30.05 or business-specific notice can prohibit carry even without a license.
• Myth: A single misdemeanor DWI means I lose gun rights forever. Reality: Misdemeanor DWIs can impact License to Carry eligibility for a period and can come with temporary conditions that restrict possession, but they do not automatically create a lifetime federal possession ban. Felonies are different and need immediate legal review.
• Myth: If a sign is small or placed off to the side it does not count. Reality: The statute requires conspicuous posting with specific formatting. If a case focuses on signage compliance, it turns on facts and proof, not guesses at the doorway.

Key Questions Houston drivers ask about what is the 30.06 law in Texas

Is it illegal to carry into a Houston store with only a 30.07 sign posted?

A 30.07 sign prohibits open carry by license holders. If you hold a License to Carry, you may still carry concealed unless another notice is present or staff gives oral notice. If you are not licensed and rely on permitless carry, look for a 30.05 sign or ask a manager.

What happens if I accidentally walk past a 30.06 sign in Texas?

If you immediately leave when given notice, the situation typically stays at a lower penalty level. Refusing to leave or returning while armed can escalate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to one year in county jail and a fine up to 4,000 dollars. Always leave at once and resolve any questions later.

Does a first-time DWI in Texas stop me from owning a gun?

A first DWI is often a Class B misdemeanor. That alone does not create a permanent federal possession ban. It can, however, delay your eligibility for a License to Carry for a period that often runs five years, and court orders can restrict possession while your case is active. Confirm the exact terms in your paperwork.

Do 30.05 signs change anything for permitless carriers in Houston?

Yes. A 30.05 sign can prohibit firearms for people who do not have a license and can be worded to bar all carry. If you rely on permitless carry and see 30.05, do not carry past that notice. Oral notice from staff also counts.

Can my firearm rights be restored after a felony DWI?

Restoration is complex. It often requires extraordinary relief such as a pardon or legal action that changes the conviction status. Never assume rights have been restored without written legal confirmation. Get specific guidance before possessing or attempting to purchase a firearm.

Why acting early matters if you are balancing 30.06 signs and a DWI record

Your goals are simple. Keep your job, stay mobile, and avoid new charges while your case runs its course. Early information and small habits make the biggest difference. Scan entrances, honor any 30.06, 30.07, or 30.05 notice, and leave at once if told to do so. Track your dates and orders so you understand where your eligibility stands, especially if you hope to apply for or reinstate an LTC when you are allowed.

A knowledgeable Texas DWI lawyer can review your judgment, your supervision terms, and your daily carry patterns around Harris County. That way, you know exactly which places you must avoid, what documents you should keep with you, and how to avoid unforced errors that could complicate your record.

For firm credentials and third-party verification, you can review this butler law firm attorney profile for firm credibility near the end of your research.

Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
11500 Northwest Fwy #400, Houston, TX 77092
https://www.thehoustondwilawyer.com/
+1 713-236-8744
RGFH+6F Central Northwest, Houston, TX
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