Assault Weapons Are Illegal in These 10 States

A Washington State gun law implemented in 2022 has been under fire from a gun shop owner who claims it is unconstitutional. He continually challenged the law in courts, claiming it infringed on Second Amendment rights. The 2022 law states that high capacity ammo magazines are no longer legal to own and operate. On May 8th, the state’s supreme court upheld the law, saying magazines that hold more than 10 rounds will continue to be outlawed. It remains illegal for citizens of Washington State to purchase and operate these types of guns, as dictated by a 7-2 ruling within the state supreme court.

Much discussion has been had in recent years in America about firearms. Should they be legal for everyone to carry? are there certain types of guns that no civilian should be allowed to own? Many believe there is a case to be made against assault-style weapons, claiming no one needs a weapon this powerful. These guns are specifically designed for rapid fire and suitable to military use, as opposed to civilian use. Many believe that Any gun capable of killing multiple people in under a minute should not be allowed for typical possession. Unfortunately, due to their lethality, these guns have been the weapons of choice for those who engage in public shootings.

Because gun regulations are state- specific, the laws surrounding firearms of all types are different from state to state. Some states have already banned assault-style weapons, stating they are too deadly for regular civilians to own. State regularities point to data that connects high-capacity weapons with casualties in gun related incidents. These states include California and New York. Which other states have taken steps to protect their communities from assault weapons?

Using data compiled by Giffords Law Center, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 states that have banned assault-style weapons. In addition to regulating assault weapons, the 10 states on this list have all imposed a range of restrictions that widely expand on federal gun control policy. Across these states, additional firearm regulations include universal background checks, mandatory waiting periods, high-capacity magazine bans, and permit and licensing requirements. (These are the states with the strongest and weakest gun control policies.)

This post was updated on May 13, 2025 to include information on Washington State’s recently upheld gun law.

Why It Matters

Gun control has long been a hot-button issue in American politics, and it remains so today. According to a June 2024 report from public opinion research company Morning Consult, 59% of American voters cite gun policy as a very important issue for the upcoming presidential election. Lately, the gun policy debate has centered largely around assault weapons, which are proven to be far deadlier than other firearms in active shooter scenarios. While most of the country has adopted a hands-off approach to regulating assault weapons, several states enacted laws that effectively prohibit these military-style firearms.

California

• Year ban first went into effect: 1989
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, gifting, transport, import
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership of weapon prior to the ban and subsequent registration
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Connecticut

• Year ban first went into effect: 1993, expanded in 2013
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, gifting, transport, import
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership of weapon prior to bans with certification
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Delaware

• Year ban first went into effect: 2022
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, transfer, receipt
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to June 20, 2022, transfer to a family member
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Hawaii

• Year ban first went into effect: 1992
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale or other transfer, barter, trade, gift or acquisition
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to July 1, 1992, and subsequent registration
• Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with two or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Pistols only

Illinois

• Year ban goes into effect: 2023
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, import, deliver, purchase
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to ban and registration before Jan. 1, 2024
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Maryland

• Year ban first went into effect: 1994, expanded in 2013
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, transfer, purchase, receipt, transport
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership and registration of assault pistol prior to Aug. 1, 1994, and lawful ownership of assault long gun before Oct. 1, 2013
• Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with two or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Massachusetts

• Year ban first went into effect: 1994
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, transfer
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to Sept. 13, 1994
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

New Jersey

• Year ban first went into effect: 1990
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, transport, shipping, selling, disposal of
• Exceptions to ban: Officially licensed owners, lawful ownership prior to May 1, 1990, with subsequent registration
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

New York

• Year ban first went into effect: 2013
• Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, transport, disposal of
• Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to Jan. 15, 2013, registered before Jan. 15, 2014
• Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with one or more specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Washington

• Year ban first went into effect: 2023
• Assault weapon restrictions: Sale, manufacture, import, distribution
• Exceptions to ban: Possession permitted for eligible residents, contingent on completion of safety training courses
• Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
• Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols