Are Bump Stocks Legal in Georgia?

Bump stocks are legal to own and use in Georgia under state law. However, federal regulations have banned their manufacture and sale nationwide, creating a complex legal landscape.

Georgia law does not specifically prohibit bump stocks, so residents and visitors can possess them. Still, federal restrictions impact availability and enforcement, making it important to understand both state and federal rules.

Is It Legal to Own or Use Bump Stocks in Georgia?

Yes, owning and using bump stocks in Georgia is legal under state law. This means individuals can possess bump stocks without violating Georgia statutes.

• Ownership is permitted for residents and visitors within Georgia.

• Use on private property is generally allowed, subject to other firearm regulations.

• Sales and transfers within Georgia are not specifically regulated by state law.

• Manufacturing bump stocks in Georgia is not prohibited by state statutes.

While state law permits bump stocks, federal regulations impose significant restrictions on manufacture and sale.

What Does Georgia State Law Say About Bump Stocks?

Georgia law does not explicitly address bump stocks. The state’s firearm statutes focus on categories like assault weapons and magazine capacities but do not mention bump stocks.

• Possession of bump stocks is not criminalized under Georgia law.

• No state-level licensing or registration is required for bump stocks.

• Georgia does not restrict the sale, transfer, or manufacture of bump stocks.

• Enforcement at the state level typically defers to federal guidelines.

In practice, Georgia treats bump stocks like other firearm accessories without special restrictions.

Does Federal Law Affect the Legality of Bump Stocks in Georgia?

Yes, federal law significantly impacts bump stocks. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) classified bump stocks as machine guns in 2018, banning their manufacture and sale nationwide.

• The federal ban prohibits manufacturing, selling, or transferring bump stocks after March 2019.

• Possession of bump stocks manufactured before the ban remains legal under federal law.

• Federal law preempts state law regarding manufacture and sale.

• ATF enforces federal restrictions regardless of Georgia’s permissive stance.

Federal law creates a baseline that supersedes Georgia’s lack of restrictions on bump stocks.

Which Law Applies in Common Real-World Scenarios?

Understanding which law applies depends on the activity and context.

• Owning a bump stock at home: Georgia law permits possession; federal law allows possession if the bump stock was made before the ban.

• Buying a bump stock online: Federal law prohibits purchase of new bump stocks; Georgia law does not regulate sales.

• Transporting bump stocks across state lines: Federal law governs interstate transport; illegal to transport newly manufactured bump stocks.

• Using bump stocks on private property: Allowed under Georgia law; federal law does not restrict use, only manufacture and sale.

Both state and federal laws must be considered in these scenarios.

Restrictions and Conditions You Must Follow

While Georgia imposes no special restrictions, federal law sets key limits.

• Federal ban on manufacture, sale, and transfer effective March 2019.

• No age restrictions specific to bump stocks under Georgia law.

• No licensing or permits required by Georgia for possession.

• Use must comply with general firearm laws and property rules.

Compliance with federal restrictions is essential despite Georgia’s permissive stance.

Penalties for Violating the Law in Georgia

Violations of Georgia law related to bump stocks are unlikely since the state does not prohibit them. However, federal violations carry serious penalties.

• Federal illegal manufacture or sale of bump stocks is a felony with fines and imprisonment.

• Possession of bump stocks made after the federal ban can lead to criminal charges.

• State law enforcement may assist federal authorities in enforcement.

• Confiscation of illegal bump stocks can occur under federal law.

Penalties primarily arise from federal law enforcement actions.

Common Situations Where People Get Confused

Several misunderstandings surround bump stock legality in Georgia.

• Believing bump stocks are illegal in Georgia due to federal ban on manufacture and sale.

• Confusing possession legality with restrictions on manufacture and sale.

• Assuming federal law bans possession outright, which it does not.

• Misunderstanding interstate transport rules for bump stocks.

Clear knowledge of both laws avoids confusion and legal risk.

Recent Legal Changes or Court Decisions

The key recent change is the 2018 federal ATF rule classifying bump stocks as machine guns, effective March 2019.

• No recent Georgia state law changes regarding bump stocks.

• Federal ban remains in effect and is actively enforced.

• No major court decisions altering bump stock legality in Georgia.

• Ongoing legal challenges to the federal ban have not changed enforcement.

Federal regulation remains the primary legal development.

Practical Examples

If you live in Georgia and own a bump stock made before March 2019, you can legally possess and use it on private property under state and federal law.

If you bought a bump stock in another state after the federal ban and bring it into Georgia, you may be violating federal law prohibiting possession of bump stocks manufactured after the ban.

In both cases, federal law governs manufacture dates and possession legality, while Georgia law permits ownership without additional restrictions.

Conclusion

Bump stocks are legal to own and use in Georgia under state law, which does not impose specific restrictions. However, federal law bans the manufacture, sale, and transfer of bump stocks nationwide, creating important limitations.

Possession of bump stocks made before the federal ban remains legal, but new bump stocks cannot be legally bought or sold. Understanding both Georgia and federal laws is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

FAQs

Can I legally buy a bump stock in Georgia?

Federal law prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transfer of bump stocks after March 2019. Georgia does not ban sales, but buying new bump stocks is illegal nationwide.

Is owning a bump stock legal in Georgia?

Yes, owning bump stocks made before the federal ban is legal under both Georgia and federal law. Possession of newer bump stocks is illegal federally.

What penalties exist for illegal bump stock possession in Georgia?

Penalties come from federal law and can include fines and imprisonment. Georgia law does not impose penalties for bump stock possession.

Can I transport a bump stock across state lines into Georgia?

Federal law governs interstate transport. Transporting bump stocks manufactured after the federal ban is illegal, regardless of Georgia law.

Are bump stocks legal to use on private property in Georgia?

Yes, using bump stocks on private property is legal under Georgia law, provided possession complies with federal restrictions.