Airsoft Laws in NJ- New Jersey USA

Airsoft Laws In NJ

Yes. Airsoft Guns are technically illegal in the state of New Jersey because according to the New Jersey Graves Act of 2008, airsoft guns fall under the description of firearms. The Graves Act imposes a very tough penalty on offenders with a minimum term of imprisonment and parole eligibility that you’ll understand the more you read this post.

However, there are exceptions to these laws which you’ll need to know to avoid getting into big trouble with law enforcement authorities.

 

New Jersey Airsoft Gun Laws, New Jersey airsoft gun laws

Why Airsoft Guns Are Illegal in New Jersey

Airsoft Guns are technically illegal in the state of New Jersey  due to how the law defines a firearm: Here is how the New Jersey Graves Act passed in October of 2008 defines a firearm:

“Firearm or firearms” means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, assault firearm, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectile, projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious things, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances.

It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol, or other weapons of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas, or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.

Due to the classification of airsoft guns as a firearm, all the laws that govern the use of firearms in the state of New Jersey control the use of Airsoft Guns. The tough thing about the Graves Act is that it imposes a very tough penalty on offenders. That is a minimum term of imprisonment and parole eligibility.

Given the strict nature of the Airsoft Laws in New Jersey, you should find out how the law is applied and what penalties exist for offenders. Take this very seriously because the law definitely will.

Controlling Purchase Laws

You must have a valid permit to purchase a handgun and one additional form of identification which must also match the identification in the license.

Sale to Minors

It is prohibited to sell these to minors but parents can buy the gun for their children if they have licenses.

Now, you can easily buy an airsoft gun in a discount store or supermarket because they will not ask you to show your license to purchase or own a handgun. This issue has been addressed through several online forums.

However, just because they didn’t strictly enforce a law, does not mean that you may not get in trouble. Remember, when you start blurring the lines between right and wrong, you may find yourself in detrimental consequences.

Controlling Transport Laws

When transporting your airsoft gun within the state of New Jersey, you should follow these rules:

  • Keep the airsoft gun securely contained in a gun box such as an Airsoft Pistol Gun Case or an Airsoft Rifle Gun Case, closed and tied package, or in the trunk of your car
  • You should also keep the Airsoft ammo locked in a box not easily accessible to the public
  • During transport, you shall not make any deviations or reveal it in public unless it is inevitable

Controlling Use Laws

There is no state-wide law that controls the use of airsoft guns, but that is where county ordinances take effect. Several counties have placed laws that govern the use of guns under airsoft guns.

1. Carrying and Shooting on Roads

In some counties, they prohibit the shooting of airsoft guns on roads or sidewalks. It is unlawful to discharge an air gun, spring gun, or firearm from along, across, toward, or within 300 yards of any paved public street, highway, road, or any building in the city.

It also restricts children from carrying guns along roads unless accompanied by adults.

2. Shooting Near Houses or Public Parks

The law also restricts the shooting of guns within 150 yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land, or public place.

You are also prohibited from firing an airsoft gun within 100 yards of any public park or school.

3. City Limits

It is illegal to shoot airsoft guns within city limits unless the place is a suitable and safe target range like an airsoft field. Anyone who wants to start airsoft should first learn about these fields and where airsoft guns can be freely used. 

You would need a written permission for the purpose and place from the chief of police of the governing body of the town.

Three Years Mandatory Sentence for Offenders

Those found guilty of an offense will face a mandatory sentence with a minimum of three years. This sentence is without the possibility of parole within the first 3 years.

Conclusion

You need to understand that New Jersey has incredibly strict laws when it comes to firearms. When in the state, try to follow the rules and don’t take breaking the law lightly.

If you really have to play airsoft, there are dedicated airsoft fields where you can engage in an airsoft match. Getting arrested for breaking these laws is not pretty and not a risk you should take. And it’s definitely not worth it. 

A Final Word

Whatever the law states, you need to always remember that an airsoft gun is not a toy. It is a dangerous tool and should be treated with the same respect you would have for an actual firearm.

In Addition to this, the fact that most airsoft guns are made as exact replicas of actual firearms means that a person who does not know airsoft would mistakenly assume that you are carrying an actual firearm.

For this reason, It is really important to always carry your airsoft gun in a gun bag or case. If you don’t have one, check this bag now on Amazon. The links below have a list of affordable cases or bags that you might want to consider.

1. Plano Gun Guard SE Series 48-Inch Single Rifle Case

2. Allen Company Triumph Ripstop Range Bag & Handgun Mat

The key to playing airsoft is to always practice safety precautions in and outside of the field. There will always be dangers in most sports but if you know how to safeguard yourself and act responsibly, these dangers are lessened or even eliminated.

Tell Me What You Think

We have compiled all the Airsoft Laws by State. Find out what the law in your state says about Airsoft Guns.

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Take a look and tell us if our posts are accurate for the state that you live in. Please also leave a comment on whether your state enforces these laws or not. We would love to hear your feedback. We’ll strive to keep these laws updated. Let us know if this is not the case in the comment section below.

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