
There are 50 states in the United States of America, and that means that there are 50 different sets of rules and regulations. Depending on where you live, the legality of tracer rounds will change.
It’s better to be on the right side of law enforcement, and I live by “it’s better to be safe than sorry“. I reckon in this circumstance, that is more true than ever. Trust me, you don’t want to get caught with tracer rounds in certain states.
What Are Tracer Rounds?
Tracer rounds are a form of ammunition that can be used by firearms, that create a visible trail due to the chemical compounds the rounds are coated in. Commonly used by the military to keep track of shot trajectory, tracer rounds can be used by hunters to improve their long-range shooting ability. Some states consider tracer rounds destructive devices and don’t allow their citizens to own them.
Note:
The legality of these rules is changing somewhat regularly. We will do our best to update them as often as possible.
Tracer Round Legality by State — Are Tracer Rounds Legal in:
Alabama
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Alabama.
Alaska
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Alaska. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Arizona
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Arizona. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Arkansas
Tracer Rounds are legal to possess in Arkansas.
California
According to the 2009 California Penal Code – Section 12301-12312, tracer ammo is illegal to possess in California, along with many other hunting gadgets. Except when it is used in shotguns.
Colorado
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Colorado. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Connecticut
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Connecticut.
Delaware
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Delaware.
Florida
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Florida.
Georgia
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Georgia.
Hawaii
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Hawaii. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Idaho
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Idaho. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Illinois
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Illinois.
Indiana
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Indiana.
Iowa
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Iowa.
Kansas
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Kansas. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Kentucky
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Louisiana.
Maine
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Maine. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Maryland
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Maryland.
Massachusetts
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Massachusetts.
Michigan
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Michigan.
Minnesota
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Minnesota.
Mississippi
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Mississippi.
Missouri
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Missouri.
Montana
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Montana.
Nebraska
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Nebraska. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Nevada
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Nevada. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
New Hampshire
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in New Jersey.
New Mexico
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in New Mexico. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
New York
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in New York.
North Carolina
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in North Carolina.
North Dakota
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in North Dakota. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Ohio
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Ohio.
Oklahoma
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Oklahoma. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Oregon
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Oregon. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Pennsylvania
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in South Carolina.
South Dakota
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in South Dakota. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Tennessee
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Tennessee.
Texas
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Texas. To read more about what ammunition and firearms are allowed for civilians in Texas, read the Hunting Means and Methods, published by the Goverment of Texas. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Utah
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Utah. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Vermont
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Vermont.
Virginia
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Virginia.
Washington
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Washington. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
West Virginia
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Tracer rounds are legal to possess in Wyoming. Tracers can start fires in dry climates, so be careful when shooting them in desert conditions. ⚠️
Do Tracers Cause Fires?

If you are in a dry climate, tracer rounds have the risk of starting a fire. Tracer rounds are inherently a fire hazard, as they ignite a flame to create a visible trail, with rounds reaching up to 1400 °F. That’s hot, real hot. If you’re in an arid/desert climate, we suggest you hold back on firing tracers.
People Also Ask
Conclusion
Although we do our best to keep this list updated, we still highly suggest you check your local state rules regarding tracer rounds.
Are tracer rounds legal? I hope we answered that question in this article.