Gun Laws in the United States
Gun laws in the United States follow a hierarchical structure, with regulations existing at the federal, state, and local levels. Navigate below to learn about each level of regulation.
Key Federal Regulations:
- Background checks through NICS
- Prohibitions for certain people (felons, domestic abusers)
- Regulations on fully automatic weapons
- Interstate commerce regulations
State-Level Variations:
- Permit requirements for purchase or carrying
- Waiting periods
- Assault weapon bans
- Red flag laws
- Magazine capacity restrictions
Local Considerations:
- City or county additional restrictions
- Subject to state preemption laws
- Some cities (e.g., NYC, Chicago) have stricter rules
- May include specific requirements for transport or storage
Understanding Preemption Laws
Preemption laws determine whether local governments can create their own gun regulations:
Strong Preemption
States like Arizona and Florida prevent localities from passing their own gun laws, ensuring uniform regulations across the state.
Limited Preemption
States like California and New York allow cities more leeway to create stricter regulations (e.g., New York City has stricter rules than the rest of New York State).