Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Texas? Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 Law Change
Yes, brass knuckles are legal in Texas as of September 1, 2019, when Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 446 into law, removing them from the state’s prohibited weapons list under Texas Penal Code Section 46.05. The law ended a ban that had been in place since 1918, allowing Texans to legally own, carry, and use brass knuckles without a permit.
But legality doesn’t mean unrestricted use. Misusing brass knuckles in a violent altercation can still result in assault or aggravated assault charges, even with the 2019 legalization. This guide reveals exactly what Texas law allows, where brass knuckles remain prohibited, and how to avoid criminal charges under current statutes.
What Changed Under Texas House Bill 446?
House Bill 446 removed brass knuckles, clubs, and self-defense keychains from Texas Penal Code Section 46.05’s prohibited weapons list. Before September 1, 2019, possession carried serious penalties.
Pre-2019 Penalties
Prior to the law change, possessing brass knuckles was a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. In 2017 alone, Texas law enforcement convicted 93 people of possessing brass knuckles.
Why the Law Changed
Representative Joe Moody, who co-authored HB 446, explained that the law was designed to stop prosecuting people for possessing novelty items or legitimate self-defense tools, calling the century-old ban “antiquated.” Supporters argued that brass knuckles should be treated like other self-defense tools and that the ban disproportionately targeted young people of color.
Related article: The Viral “Man Sued $500K for Saving Child” Story Is a Complete Hoax—Here’s What You Need to Know
Current Legal Status: What’s Allowed
Texas law defines brass knuckles as any tool consisting of hard rings or finger guards designed to cause serious bodily injury or death by striking someone with a closed fist.
Legal Activities
- Ownership: You can legally own brass knuckles in Texas
- Carrying: Open or concealed carry is permitted without a license
- Sales: Selling brass knuckles to adults is legal
- Self-Defense: Possession for self-defense purposes is allowed
No Permit Required
Unlike handguns, brass knuckles don’t require any license, permit, or training to own or carry in Texas.
Where Brass Knuckles Are Still Prohibited
While brass knuckles are no longer classified as prohibited weapons under Section 46.05, they still fall under restricted locations specified in Texas Penal Code Section 46.03. These locations prohibit any weapons listed in Section 46.05(a), clubs, and location-restricted items.
Prohibited Locations
- Schools and college campuses
- Polling places during elections
- Courts and government buildings
- Airports (secure areas)
- Racetracks
- Sporting events
- Amusement parks
- Hospitals (some restrictions)
- Bars (51% establishments)
Violating Section 46.03 by bringing brass knuckles to prohibited locations is typically a third-degree felony.
When Brass Knuckles Become Illegal: Assault Charges
Legal possession doesn’t grant unlimited use. Using brass knuckles in a violent crime or starting a physical altercation can result in assault or battery charges.
Criminal Charges You Can Face
Assault: Using brass knuckles outside legitimate self-defense situations typically results in misdemeanor assault charges.
Aggravated Assault: If brass knuckles cause serious bodily injury, you can be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which can escalate to murder charges depending on the outcome. Aggravated assault penalties can include up to 20 years in prison.
Deadly Weapon Classification: Brass knuckles may be classified as a deadly weapon if their use results in significant injury or risk of death.
Self-Defense Requirements
Texas self-defense law requires that force used must match the level of threat faced. Using brass knuckles is only legally justified when:
- You face immediate harm or threat of serious injury
- You’re defending others under threat
- You’re preventing certain violent crimes
- You stop using force once the threat ends
Continuing to use brass knuckles after the threat has subsided can lead to criminal charges, even if you initially acted in self-defense.
Comparing Texas With Other States
Texas is among a minority of states that have legalized brass knuckles, while the vast majority maintain strict bans.
States Where Brass Knuckles Are Illegal:
- California (complete ban)
- New York
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Vermont
States With Restrictions:
- Some states allow possession but prohibit concealed carry
- Others permit ownership with specific licenses
Always verify local laws before traveling across state lines with brass knuckles.
Penalties for Misuse
Assault Violations
Standard assault charges using brass knuckles are typically misdemeanors but carry serious penalties for convictions.
Aggravated Assault
Penalties for aggravated assault with brass knuckles can include up to 20 years in prison, depending on injury severity.
Location Violations
Possessing brass knuckles in prohibited locations under Section 46.03 is typically prosecuted as a third-degree felony.
Compliance Checklist: How to Stay Legal
✓ Know Where You Can’t Carry: Memorize prohibited locations under Section 46.03 ✓ Use Only for Self-Defense: Never initiate confrontations or use brass knuckles offensively ✓ Understand Reasonable Force: Your response must match the threat level ✓ Stop When Threat Ends: Continuing to use force after danger passes is illegal ✓ Check Local Ordinances: Some Texas cities may have additional restrictions ✓ Don’t Sell to Minors: Selling brass knuckles to anyone under 18 can create legal issues ✓ Know Interstate Laws: Other states’ restrictions apply when traveling
What Law Enforcement Says
Jefferson County District Attorney Bob Wortham warned that while Texans can legally possess brass knuckles, using them against another person may result in aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or murder charges depending on the result.
Practical Considerations
When Brass Knuckles May Be Used
- Legitimate self-defense against imminent threats
- Defense of others facing serious harm
- Preventing violent crimes like robbery or assault
When They Become Criminal Weapons
- Starting physical altercations
- Using excessive force beyond the threat
- Carrying in prohibited locations
- Using in non-defensive situations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to carry brass knuckles in Texas?
No, Texas law allows carrying brass knuckles without any permit or license as of September 1, 2019.
Can I carry brass knuckles on college campus?
No, schools and postsecondary educational institutions are prohibited locations under Texas Penal Code Section 46.03, making brass knuckles illegal on campuses.
What happens if I use brass knuckles in a fight I didn’t start?
If you face immediate harm and use force proportionate to the threat, self-defense may apply. However, you must stop using force once the threat ends, or you risk criminal charges.
Are brass knuckles considered a deadly weapon in Texas?
Brass knuckles may be classified as a deadly weapon if their use results in significant injury or risk of death, which can lead to enhanced charges.
Can I be charged with assault even though brass knuckles are legal?
Yes, legal possession doesn’t protect you from assault charges if you use brass knuckles outside legitimate self-defense situations or cause serious bodily injury.
Where can I verify current Texas weapons laws?
Check the official Texas Legislature website for Texas Penal Code Chapter 46, or consult the Texas Department of Public Safety for current regulations.
What should I do if I’m charged with a brass knuckles offense?
Contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in assault cases immediately, as legal defenses to aggravated assault charges exist and can be used effectively if the facts support them.
Resources for Staying Compliant
- Texas Penal Code Chapter 46: Official Texas Statutes
- Texas Department of Public Safety: www.dps.texas.gov
- Texas Legislature Online: capitol.texas.gov
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney specializing in weapons law or contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for legal guidance specific to your situation. Texas weapons laws can change through legislative sessions, and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Always verify current statutes before making legal decisions about brass knuckles possession or use.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah