Are Tracer Rounds Legal, by State (USA)

Are Tracer Rounds Legal, by State Map

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?

Do Tracers Cause Fires map of USA

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.

Author

  • George Haynes

    George Haynes is a seasoned game hunter that loves to hunt deer! He started Huntic Critic as a way to express and share his passion for the sport. He identifies as an experienced hunter and looks to help readers with every-day problems they may have.

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