Texas is a place where everything seems to be bigger—and sometimes that includes its laws. The Lone Star State is known for doing things a little differently, and some of its laws might leave you scratching your head, especially if you’re from another part of the country. From relaxed gun laws to more lenient rules on helmets, there are some surprising things that are perfectly legal in Texas but would get you in trouble elsewhere. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
1. Open Carry of Firearms
Texas is one of the few states where you can openly carry a firearm in public spaces. As long as you have a license, it’s perfectly legal to walk around with your handgun holstered on your side. In many other states like New York, California, or Illinois, carrying a firearm in public is heavily restricted or outright banned. So, if you’re ever in Texas and see someone openly carrying, don’t be too surprised—it’s totally legal here.
2. No Helmet Law for Adult Motorcyclists
While many states require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, Texas only mandates them for riders under the age of 21. If you’re 21 or older and have health insurance, you can legally ride a motorcycle without a helmet. In states like California and Florida, motorcycle safety laws apply to everyone, but Texas gives adults the freedom to make that choice for themselves. Still, riding helmetless comes with risks, so it’s always a good idea to think twice before hitting the open road without one.
3. Alcohol Sales on Sundays
In Texas, you can buy alcohol on Sundays, but there’s a catch—you can’t purchase it before noon. Unlike some states where alcohol sales are outright banned on Sundays, Texas allows it, but with a little more of a late start. Other states, like Georgia or Utah, are much stricter about Sunday alcohol sales, so if you’re in Texas, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to wait until Monday to pick up your six-pack.
4. Driving Barefoot
If you’ve ever heard that driving barefoot is illegal, here’s a surprise: it’s actually legal in Texas! While some states have laws that prevent driving without shoes, Texas has no such restriction. That said, it’s still a good idea to wear shoes for your safety. Barefoot driving could reduce your ability to brake quickly or make a sudden maneuver, but legally speaking, you won’t get into trouble for it in Texas.
5. Texting While Driving (Under Certain Circumstances)
In Texas, texting while driving is illegal, but the law isn’t as strict as in some other states. You can’t text while driving, but there are certain exceptions, like if you’re stopped at a red light or in traffic. This is a bit more lenient compared to places like California or New York, where texting while driving is treated more harshly and is a serious offense.
6. No Seatbelt Law for Adults in the Backseat
Here’s another surprising rule: Texas doesn’t require adults to wear seat belts if they’re in the backseat. In most other states, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory no matter where you’re sitting, but in Texas, the seatbelt law only applies to the front seats. It’s a strange quirk, but it’s just one of those things that make Texas a little different from the rest of the country.
7. The “Texas Two-Step” Divorce
When it comes to divorce, Texas has its own unique approach called the “Texas Two-Step.” This process allows couples to legally separate their finances before filing for divorce, which isn’t something you’ll find in many other states. Most other states require you to file for divorce first before any financial separation can happen, but Texas gives people the option to work out their financial situation separately from the divorce itself.
8. Legal Gambling on Horse Races
Texas is one of the few states that still allows legal gambling on horse races, while traditional casino-style gambling is largely illegal. Other states, like Nevada and New Jersey, have fully legal casinos with everything from blackjack to slot machines, but Texas sticks to horse racing when it comes to legal gambling. It’s a long-standing tradition in the state, and Texans can place their bets legally at racetracks across the state.
This is Why Texas is So Unique
Texas is full of surprises, especially when it comes to its laws. What might be considered unusual or even illegal in other states is often perfectly fine here. Whether it’s the freedom to carry a firearm openly or the ability to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, Texas is all about giving people their space to make their own choices. So next time you’re in the state, take note of these quirky laws—you might just be doing something that would get you into trouble elsewhere. And, if you ever find yourself needing legal advice, a Spanish-speaking injury lawyer in Austin, Texas, can help guide you through any legal challenges that come your way.