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AR-15 Laws by State: 2026 Interactive Map & 50-State Guide
Data last verified: June 11, 2026 · Updated as laws change
Updated June 11, 2026
- Oregon (Measure 114): Magazine-limit display corrected to None. Measure 114's 10-round limit and permit-to-purchase remain blocked by court injunction and have never been enforced; HB 4145, signed April 9, 2026, delays any implementation to January 1, 2028.
- Hawaii (SB 401): Status updated. SB 401, which would have expanded the magazine limit and assault-weapon definition to all firearms including rifles, died when the 2026 legislative session ended without passage.
- Virginia (SB 749): Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026. The ban on importing, selling, manufacturing, purchasing, or transferring assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds takes effect July 1, 2026; firearms and magazines lawfully owned before that date are grandfathered and may be kept.
- Rhode Island AWB: Effective date corrected to July 1, 2026 (not January 1). The mandatory registration / certificate-of-possession provision was stripped from the final bill before passage.
- DC magazine ban (Benson v. United States): The full DC Court of Appeals vacated the panel ruling and granted rehearing en banc on April 22, 2026. The 10-round magazine ban is currently enforceable pending the en banc decision.
This guide is by Matt Rice, Owner of Ozark Armament. Matt has 10+ years in the firearms industry and maintains this reference using state statutes, enacted bills, official agency materials, court decisions, and secondary cross-checking tools such as ATF compilations and legislative trackers. This page tracks legislative status and is not legal advice. Always verify current law with official state sources.
Important Legal Notice
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Ozark Armament is a firearms accessories retailer, not a law firm. Firearms laws change frequently and may not be reflected here. This information may contain errors or may not reflect the most current legal developments. Always verify current laws with official state sources and consult a licensed attorney before purchasing, transporting, or possessing firearms. Ozark Armament is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.
AR-15 laws by state are the patchwork of federal, state, and local regulations that determine whether and how an AR-15 rifle can be purchased, owned, and configured depending on where the owner lives. There are more than 32 million AR-platform rifles in civilian hands across the United States according to NSSF industry data, making the AR-15 the single most popular centerfire rifle in the country. But owning one is not equally straightforward in every state. AR-15 state laws range from virtually no restrictions to outright bans by name.
As of early 2026, nine states plus the District of Columbia enforce assault weapon bans that directly restrict AR-15 rifles. Rhode Island enacted an AWB effective July 1, 2026, and Colorado enacted SB25-003, restricting specified semiautomatic firearms effective August 1, 2026. Virginia enacted its own assault firearms ban when Governor Spanberger signed SB 749 into law on May 14, 2026; the law takes effect July 1, 2026. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about four-in-ten U.S. adults live in a household with a firearm, yet the rules governing AR-15 ownership vary dramatically from one state line to the next. Several states impose magazine capacity limits, age restrictions, or permit requirements that affect how AR-15s can be purchased and configured.
Key finding: Based on our analysis of state legislation, the number of U.S. jurisdictions enforcing assault weapon bans that restrict AR-15 rifles has nearly doubled in the past decade. As of 2016, seven jurisdictions enforced AR-15-specific assault weapon bans. By the end of 2026, that number could reach 13 as the enacted bans in Colorado and Virginia take effect. The jurisdictions added since 2016 are Colorado (enacted, effective Aug 2026), Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island (enacted, effective Jul 2026), Virginia (enacted, effective Jul 2026), and Washington. Virginia's SB 749 was signed into law by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026.
Below you will find our interactive map and searchable 50-state guide. Click any state to see a summary of that state's AR-15-related laws, including assault weapon bans, magazine limits, and feature restrictions. We have organized every state into one of four color-coded tiers so you can see the national picture at a glance.
Important: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Firearms laws change frequently through legislation, executive action, and court rulings. Always verify current laws with official state sources or a licensed attorney before making any decisions about purchasing, building, transporting, or possessing firearms.
By the Numbers
Reflects enacted legislation and published regulatory status. Not legal advice.
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<a href="https://ozarkarmament.com/resources/ar-15-laws-by-state/" title="AR-15 Laws by State 2026"><img src="https://ozarkarmament.com/Images/blog/ar-15-laws-by-state/ar-15-laws-by-state-map.png" alt="AR-15 Laws by State 2026 Map" style="max-width:100%;height:auto" /></a><p style="font-size:12px;color:#666">Source: <a href="https://ozarkarmament.com/resources/ar-15-laws-by-state/">AR-15 Laws by State</a> by Ozark Armament</p>Understanding AR-15 Laws by State: The Four-Tier Classification System
To make sense of AR-15 laws by state, we classify each jurisdiction into one of four tiers based on the overall severity of its restrictions. This system is designed to give a quick visual reference, not a complete legal analysis. Here is what each tier means:
GREEN — No Significant Restrictions. The state does not impose a state-level assault weapon ban, magazine capacity limit, or feature restriction on AR-15 rifles. Strong or full state preemption prevents local governments from adding restrictions. The majority of U.S. states fall into this category.
YELLOW — Minor Restrictions. The state does not ban AR-15 rifles outright, but imposes at least one notable restriction such as a raised minimum purchase age, a magazine capacity limit without a full AWB, or limited preemption that allows local variation.
ORANGE — Significant Restrictions or Legal Uncertainty. The state has passed or is actively implementing legislation that could substantially restrict AR-15 ownership. Legal challenges, injunctions, or pending effective dates create uncertainty about current enforceability.
RED — Banned or Heavily Restricted. The state enforces an assault weapon ban that prohibits AR-15 rifles by name, by feature, or both. Ownership may be possible only with pre-ban grandfathered firearms, featureless configurations, or fixed-magazine modifications depending on the specific state law.
AR-15 Freedom Score (0-100). In addition to the four-tier system, each state in the interactive tool above displays an AR-15 Freedom Score ranging from 0 (most restrictive) to 100 (no restrictions). This score is calculated using a transparent, formula-based methodology: each state starts at 100 and loses points for assault weapon bans (-40), magazine capacity limits (-15), feature restrictions (-10), permit requirements (-10), registration requirements (-5), red flag laws (-5), lack of state preemption (-5), elevated age requirements (-5), and SBR prohibitions (-5). The score is derived from each state's legal data using the formula above. Because some deductions (such as red flag laws and preemption) are not exclusively AR-15-specific, the score reflects the broader regulatory environment for AR-15 ownership, not a narrow reading of any single statute.
Key Legal Concepts in AR-15 State Laws
Assault Weapon Ban (AWB). A state law that prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of certain semi-automatic firearms. Most AWBs define "assault weapons" either by listing specific models by name (the AR-15 is almost always included) or by describing prohibited features on semi-automatic rifles. These bans are modeled on the 1994 federal AWB that expired in 2004.
Magazine Capacity Limit. A restriction on the number of rounds a detachable magazine can hold. Common limits are 10 rounds (most ban states) and 15 rounds (Colorado; and Virginia, where SB 749 imposes a 15-round limit effective July 1, 2026). Vermont limits long gun magazines to 10 rounds and handgun magazines to 15 rounds. States without capacity limits do not restrict standard-capacity magazines at the state level.
Feature Restrictions. Laws that ban specific cosmetic or functional features on semi-automatic rifles. Common restricted features include pistol grips, telescoping or folding stocks, threaded barrels, flash hiders, forward pistol grips, and barrel shrouds. A "featureless" build is a common term for rifles configured without features listed in a state's restriction statute.
State Preemption. A legal doctrine where the state government reserves firearm regulation exclusively to itself, preventing cities and counties from passing their own gun laws. Strong preemption means uniform rules statewide. Weak or no preemption means local jurisdictions can add restrictions beyond state law.
Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders). Laws that allow law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from a person deemed a danger to themselves or others. These do not specifically target AR-15s, but they can result in temporary confiscation of all firearms including AR-platform rifles.
Frequently Asked Questions About AR-15 Laws by State
AR-15 Laws in Alabama
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Alabama statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Alaska
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Alaska statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Arizona
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Arizona statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Arkansas
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Arkansas statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in California
California's assault weapon restrictions, codified in Penal Code sections 30500-30530, prohibit the sale, transfer, and new registration of firearms classified as assault weapons -- a category that includes AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles by name, as well as semiautomatic firearms meeting specific feature-based definitions. The state's large-capacity magazine ban prohibits sale or transfer of magazines accepting more than 10 rounds, which the Ninth Circuit upheld in Duncan v. Bonta in March 2025. As of January 1, 2026, AB-1263 requires identity and age verification for every sale of accessory components, and SB-704 restricts all separate firearm barrel sales to in-person transactions through a licensed dealer. Verify current requirements with the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms.
Source: CA Penal Code 30510-30530 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Colorado
Colorado's SB25-003, signed by Governor Polis on April 10, 2025, prohibits the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms beginning August 1, 2026. The statute defines these as semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines, or gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines, though certain firearm types are excluded. Firearms lawfully owned before August 1, 2026 are grandfathered for continued possession. The law requires purchasers to complete a training course and pass a county-sheriff-administered background check before acquisition. Colorado's existing 15-round magazine limit (enacted 2013) remains in effect. Verify current requirements with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Note: SB25-003 restricts manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms effective August 1, 2026, subject to statutory exceptions and an eligibility-card pathway. Existing possession before August 1, 2026 is not affected.
Source: CO SB25-003 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut's assault weapons ban (Conn. Gen. Stat. sections 53-202a through 53-202k), expanded in 2013, bans firearms by both an enumerated list and a one-feature test: a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has any single military-style feature qualifies as a banned assault weapon. Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds; possession of unregistered magazines exceeding that limit is a Class D felony. Owners who lawfully possessed banned firearms before April 4, 2013 were required to apply for a certificate of possession by January 1, 2014. A federal appeals court upheld the ban's constitutionality in August 2025. Verify current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Source: CT Gen Stat 53-202a-202k | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Delaware
Delaware enacted two companion statutes in 2022: HB 450, which prohibits the sale, manufacture, purchase, receipt, transfer, or possession of defined assault weapons including 44 enumerated assault long guns and 19 assault pistols along with copycat weapons, and SS1 for SB 6, which prohibits magazines exceeding 17 rounds. In the Birney litigation, Delaware Superior Court ruled in August 2025 that HB 451's provisions raising the minimum purchase age to 21 violated the Delaware Constitution; that ruling pertains to age restrictions rather than the assault weapons ban itself. Federal challenges to HB 450 and SB 6 remain active in the Third Circuit, though preliminary injunctions have been denied and the U.S. Supreme Court declined review in January 2025. Verify current requirements with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Note: Delaware Superior Court struck down the age-21 purchase requirement (HB 451) in August 2025. Appeal status pending. The assault weapon ban (HB 450) itself remains in effect.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in District of Columbia
District of Columbia law classifies assault weapons as unregisterable firearms, effectively prohibiting their possession; all lawfully possessed firearms must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. The District's large-capacity magazine ban -- which prohibits magazines holding more than 10 rounds -- was struck down by a three-judge panel of the DC Court of Appeals on March 5, 2026 (Benson v. United States, 2-1 decision), but on April 22, 2026, the full DC Court of Appeals vacated the panel ruling and granted rehearing en banc. The magazine ban is currently enforceable pending the en banc decision; the underlying assault weapons ban has not been challenged in this litigation. Verify current requirements with the Metropolitan Police Department Firearms Registration Section.
Note: A DC Court of Appeals three-judge panel ruled the 10-round magazine ban unconstitutional March 5, 2026, in Benson v. United States (2-1 decision). On April 22, 2026, the full DC Court of Appeals vacated the panel decision and granted rehearing en banc; the magazine ban is currently enforceable pending the en banc decision.
Source: DC Code 7-2501 et seq. | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Florida
Florida statute does not include an assault weapons ban or magazine capacity restrictions. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act of 2018 raised the minimum purchase age for all firearms from 18 to 21 and imposed a three-business-day mandatory waiting period. Florida's red flag law (Fla. Stat. 790.401) authorizes Risk Protection Orders allowing courts to temporarily prohibit firearm possession. The Florida House passed HB 133 in January 2026 to restore the long gun purchase age to 18, but the bill stalled in the Senate. Verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing.
Source: FL Stat 790.065 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Georgia
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Georgia statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii's existing firearms law under HRS Chapter 134 prohibits assault pistols and detachable pistol magazines exceeding 10 rounds. SB 3196 (2024) added restrictions on .50 caliber rifles and assault weapon attachments, but the assault rifle and shotgun provisions were stripped from the amended version before passage. SB 401, which proposed broader rifle and magazine restrictions, died when the 2026 legislative session ended without passage. Hawaii requires a permit to acquire firearms and registration of all firearms within five days. Verify current requirements with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
Source: HI Rev Stat 134 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Idaho
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Idaho statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Illinois
The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), signed January 10, 2023, prohibits the sale, manufacture, and delivery of defined assault weapons along with .50 caliber rifles and rapid-fire conversion devices. The statute restricts rifle magazines to 10 rounds and handgun magazines to 15 rounds, and requires a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card to possess any firearm. Existing owners were required to register prohibited firearms with the Illinois State Police by January 1, 2024. A federal district judge ruled PICA unconstitutional in November 2024, but the 7th Circuit stayed that injunction pending appeal -- PICA remains fully enforceable statewide as of March 2026. Verify current requirements with the Illinois State Police.
Source: IL Protect Illinois Communities Act | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Indiana
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Indiana statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Iowa
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Iowa statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Kansas
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Kansas statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Kentucky
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Kentucky statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Louisiana
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Louisiana statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Maine
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Maine statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Maryland
Maryland's Firearm Safety Act of 2013 prohibits the sale, purchase, receipt, transfer, and possession of defined assault weapons, a category that includes enumerated assault long guns (such as AR-15 and AK-47 variants), assault pistols, and copycat weapons meeting a two-feature test for semiautomatic centerfire rifles. The statute prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of detachable magazines exceeding 10 rounds; however, this restriction applies to commercial transactions and does not ban possession, meaning magazines over 10 rounds acquired out of state may be lawfully possessed within Maryland. Firearms lawfully possessed before October 1, 2013 are grandfathered. The 4th Circuit upheld the ban in August 2024 and the U.S. Supreme Court declined review. Verify current requirements with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.
Source: MD Criminal Law 4-301 et seq. | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts prohibits assault-style firearms under G.L. c. 140, section 131M, substantially amended by the Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (St. 2024, c. 135), effective October 2, 2024. The 2024 law adopted a new feature-based definition for prohibited semiautomatic firearms. A License to Carry (LTC) is required for lawful possession; an FID does not authorize semiautomatic or large-capacity rifles. Firearms lawfully possessed before August 1, 2024 by LTC holders are grandfathered but must be registered and serialized -- owners must comply by approximately October 2026. Large-capacity feeding devices (over 10 rounds) remain prohibited. A ballot referendum challenging portions of the 2024 law qualified for the November 2026 ballot. Verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Source: MA GL c.140 s.121-131P | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Michigan
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Michigan statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota statute does not impose an assault weapons ban. However, the state classifies certain firearms as semiautomatic military-style assault weapons under Minn. Stat. 624.712, subd. 7, and requires a transferee permit or valid carry permit to complete any transfer of such firearms (Minn. Stat. 624.7131). The transferee permit is issued at no cost by the local chief law enforcement officer, is valid for one year, and must be approved or denied within 30 days. Minnesota also extends its waiting period to semiautomatic military-style assault weapons under Minn. Stat. 624.7132. Verify current requirements with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Source: MN Stat 624.712-624.716 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Mississippi
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Mississippi statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Missouri
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Missouri statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Montana
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Montana statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Nebraska
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Nebraska statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Nevada
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Nevada statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in New Hampshire
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current New Hampshire statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey prohibits possession of assault firearms under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 and 2C:39-5, using both an enumerated list of more than 60 specifically named firearms (including the Colt AR-15) and a two-feature test for semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines. Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds for all firearms; possession of larger magazines is a fourth-degree crime. In July 2024, a federal judge ruled the ban on the Colt AR-15 specifically unconstitutional under the Bruen standard, though the ruling was narrow to that one model; both sides have appealed to the Third Circuit. The state does not offer a civilian registration or grandfathering mechanism for assault firearms. Verify current requirements with the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit.
Source: NJ Stat 2C:39 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in New Mexico
New Mexico statute does not include an assault weapons ban, magazine capacity limits, or restrictions on unserialized firearms. The state does not require a permit to purchase firearms, and no registration is mandated. A 7-day waiting period enacted in 2024 was struck down by the Tenth Circuit in August 2025 (Ortega v. Grisham) as likely violating the Second Amendment; the court subsequently denied rehearing in December 2025. During the 2026 session, the Senate passed SB 17 proposing a ban on gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, but the bill failed to advance before adjournment. Verify current requirements with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in New York
New York's SAFE Act, enacted in 2013, defines assault weapon to include any semiautomatic rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has one or more military-style features such as a pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding or telescoping stock, flash suppressor, or bayonet lug. The statute prohibits sale, manufacture, and transfer, and possession of magazines exceeding 10 rounds is illegal. Owners who lawfully possessed assault weapons before the SAFE Act were required to register them with the New York State Police by April 15, 2014. Registered grandfathered firearms cannot be transferred within the state except to a licensed dealer or law enforcement. Verify current requirements with the New York State Police.
Source: NY SAFE Act | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in North Carolina
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current North Carolina statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in North Dakota
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current North Dakota statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Ohio
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Ohio statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Oklahoma
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Oklahoma statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Oregon
Oregon's Measure 114, approved by voters in November 2022, requires a permit-to-purchase for all firearm acquisitions, prohibits magazines holding more than 10 rounds, and closes the federal three-day default-proceed provision for background checks. The measure has never taken effect: a circuit court blocked it in late 2022, and although the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed that ruling in March 2025, the Oregon Supreme Court heard oral arguments in November 2025 with a decision pending. The legislature passed HB 4145 in early 2026 to push Measure 114's implementation to January 1, 2028. Oregon's situation is unique in that a voter-approved law remains entirely unenforced more than three years after passage. Verify current requirements with the Oregon Department of Justice.
Note: Measure 114 not currently enforced. Oregon Court of Appeals reversed trial court injunction (March 2025); Oregon Supreme Court heard arguments Nov 2025, ruling pending. Legislature delayed implementation to January 1, 2028 via HB 4145.
Source: OR Measure 114 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Pennsylvania
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Pennsylvania statute.
Source: PA 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island enacted the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 (S.359/H.5436, Chapter 281), signed by Governor McKee on June 26, 2025, with the assault weapons prohibition taking effect July 1, 2026. The law prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, and transfer of defined assault weapons, including semiautomatic centerfire rifles with detachable magazines and one or more specified features. A separate high-capacity magazine ban prohibiting possession of magazines over 10 rounds is already in effect. Firearms lawfully possessed before July 1, 2026 are grandfathered; the mandatory registration provision was stripped from the final bill, so registration for a certificate of possession is not required. The law also raised the minimum purchase age to 21 and prohibited open carry of loaded long guns. Verify current requirements with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.
Note: The Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act (S.359/H.5436, Chapter 281) was signed June 26, 2025. The assault weapons prohibition takes effect July 1, 2026. A separate high-capacity magazine ban is already in effect.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in South Carolina
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current South Carolina statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in South Dakota
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current South Dakota statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Tennessee
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Tennessee statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Texas
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Texas statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Utah
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Utah statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Vermont
Vermont statute does not include an assault weapons ban. The primary restriction affecting semiautomatic rifles is the 2018 magazine capacity law, which prohibits magazines exceeding 10 rounds for long guns and 15 rounds for handguns, with a grandfather clause for magazines lawfully possessed before April 11, 2018. Vermont raised the minimum firearm purchase age to 21 with exceptions for law enforcement, military, and hunter safety course graduates. The state prohibits bump-fire stocks and maintains constitutional carry. A Vermont judge denied a constitutional challenge to the magazine limits in January 2025. Verify current requirements with the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Source: VT Stat 13 4021 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Virginia
Virginia enacted an assault firearms ban when Governor Spanberger signed SB 749 (and companion HB 217) into law on May 14, 2026. Effective July 1, 2026, the law prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of defined "assault firearms" and magazines holding more than 15 rounds. It restricts sale and transfer rather than possession: firearms and magazines lawfully owned before July 1, 2026 are grandfathered and may be kept, though transferring a grandfathered assault firearm to another private party is restricted and adults under 21 may not possess one. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. No assault weapon or magazine restriction is in force before July 1, 2026. Virginia has state firearms preemption under Va. Code § 15.2-915: localities generally may not regulate firearms, with a narrow exception that lets them prohibit firearms in locality-owned buildings, public parks, recreation or community center facilities, and at permitted events. SB 749 is subject to legal challenges filed immediately after it was signed. Verify current requirements with the Virginia State Police.
Note: Governor Spanberger signed SB 749 into law on May 14, 2026, but its restrictions on assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds do not take effect until July 1, 2026. No assault weapon or magazine restriction is enforceable in Virginia before that date, and firearms lawfully owned before July 1, 2026 are grandfathered.
Source: VA SB749 (2026) | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Washington
Washington's assault weapon law (RCW 9.41.390, effective April 25, 2023) prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of classified assault weapons, but does not prohibit possession of assault weapons already owned. Separately, Senate Bill 5078 (effective July 1, 2022) prohibits the sale, manufacture, import, and distribution of large-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds, though possession remains lawful -- the Washington Supreme Court upheld this ban. Both the AWB and magazine restriction target the sale and distribution pipeline, not possession. Verify current requirements with the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
Source: WA HB 1240 | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in West Virginia
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current West Virginia statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Wisconsin
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Wisconsin statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
AR-15 Laws in Wyoming
No statewide assault-weapon ban identified in current Wyoming statute.
Source: NRA-ILA | Verify current law with official state sources.
What States Ban AR-15s?
As of early 2026, the following states and jurisdictions enforce assault weapon bans that restrict AR-15 rifles: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island (effective July 1, 2026), Washington, and the District of Columbia. Colorado enacted SB25-003, which restricts specified semiautomatic firearms effective August 1, 2026, subject to statutory exemptions and an eligibility-card pathway. Virginia enacted SB 749, signed by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026, which restricts assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds effective July 1, 2026. Oregon's Measure 114 would add permit requirements and a magazine ban if implemented.
What Is an Assault Weapon Ban?
An assault weapon ban (AWB) is a law that prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or in some cases possession of certain semi-automatic firearms. Most state-level AWBs are modeled on the 1994 federal Assault Weapons Ban (which expired in 2004) and define "assault weapons" in two ways: by listing specific firearms by name (the AR-15, AK-47, and their variants are almost always included) and by describing prohibited cosmetic or functional features on semi-automatic rifles. Common prohibited features include pistol grips, folding or telescoping stocks, threaded barrels, flash hiders, and bayonet mounts. The term "assault weapon" is a legal and political term, not a technical firearms classification.
What Is the Federal Law on AR-15s?
There is no federal assault weapon ban currently in effect. The 1994 federal AWB expired in September 2004 and has not been renewed. Under federal law, the AR-15 is a legal semi-automatic rifle. Federal law sets the minimum age to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) from an FFL at 18. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) of 2022 did not change the purchase age but added enhanced background check procedures for buyers aged 18 to 20, including checks of juvenile and mental health records with an extended review period of up to 10 business days. NFA (National Firearms Act) regulations still apply to short-barreled rifles (barrels under 16 inches), suppressors, and other NFA items, which require ATF approval. Note: after July 2025 amendments to 26 U.S.C. §§ 5811 and 5821, the transfer and making tax was reduced to $0 for most NFA firearms other than machineguns and destructive devices, though the full NFA regulatory framework still applies. Some individual states have raised their own minimum purchase ages to 21.
What Are Magazine Capacity Limits?
Several states restrict the number of rounds a detachable magazine can hold. The most common limit is 10 rounds, which applies in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia (a DC Court of Appeals panel struck down the magazine ban March 5, 2026, in Benson v. United States, but the full court vacated that ruling and granted rehearing en banc on April 22, 2026 -- the ban is currently enforceable pending the en banc decision), Maryland (sale/transfer ban; possession legal), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington (sale/distribution ban; pre-ban possession legal). Delaware sets its limit at 17 rounds. Colorado limits magazines to 15 rounds. Virginia's SB 749, signed into law May 14, 2026, imposes a 15-round limit effective July 1, 2026. Vermont limits long gun magazines to 10 rounds and handgun magazines to 15 rounds. Oregon passed a 10-round limit under Measure 114 but implementation has been delayed to January 2028. Illinois limits rifle magazines to 10 rounds and handgun magazines to 15 rounds under its AWB. Hawaii limits detachable magazines over 10 rounds designed for or capable of use with a pistol; SB 401 proposed broader restrictions but has not been enacted. States without magazine capacity limits do not restrict standard-capacity magazines at the state level.
Methodology
The AR-15 laws by state data in this guide was compiled from primary legal sources including individual state statutes and signed legislation, the ATF's "State Laws and Published Ordinances" publication, NRA-ILA state law summaries, and the Giffords Law Center state scorecard database. State profiles were prepared using multiple sources where available. Court orders, injunctions, and pending litigation that affect enforcement (such as Oregon's Measure 114) are noted where relevant. This guide was last comprehensively updated in March 2026, with targeted accuracy revisions on April 25, 2026 for Rhode Island, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and on May 15, 2026 for Virginia following the signing of SB 749. Laws change through legislation, court rulings, and executive action, so always verify current statutes before relying on any summary.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with official state sources or consult a licensed attorney before purchasing, transporting, or possessing firearms. Ozark Armament is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.
AR-15 laws by state in 2026 form a patchwork. The majority of states still impose no meaningful restriction on AR-15 ownership, but the number of states enacting bans or significant restrictions continues to grow. Colorado and Virginia have both enacted assault weapon bans; Virginia's SB 749 was signed by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026 and takes effect July 1, 2026. Court challenges in Oregon and elsewhere could shift the map further. Whether you live in a permissive state or one that is tightening its laws, staying informed is the most important thing you can do as a responsible gun owner.
Whether you are building out your AR in a permissive state or running a featureless configuration, quality accessories make a real difference in how your rifle performs. If you are setting up a new optic, our guide to zeroing a red dot scope walks through the process step by step. Take a look at our iron sights, flip-up backup sights, and AR-15 optics to get the most out of your platform regardless of where you live.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MATT RICE, OWNER OF OZARK ARMAMENT.
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