What are the current Virginia gun laws that every gun owner should know?
Virginia law allows open carry of firearms without a permit for individuals who are 18 years or older, provided they are legally allowed to possess a firearm, making it one of the more permissive states in this regard.
To purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer in Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old, adhering to federal regulations that impose stricter age limits on handgun purchases compared to rifles or shotguns, which can be purchased at age 18.
Firearms classified as fully automatic, such as machine guns, must be registered with the Virginia State Police, as they fall under a different regulatory category than standard handguns and rifles.
Virginia has a “one-handgun-a-month” law which limits the purchase of handguns to one per person within a 30-day period, intended to reduce illegal trafficking and ensure responsible ownership.
Localities in Virginia, such as Alexandria and Newport News, can enact their own regulations on the open carry of firearms, which means that gun owners must be aware of specific local laws that may be more restrictive than state laws.
Virginia does not require firearm registration for non-automatic weapons, meaning that while purchasing is regulated, owners do not have to formally register each firearm they own, presenting a uniquely decentralized approach to gun ownership tracking.
Concealed carry permits in Virginia are issued after a background check and completion of a training course; this requirement is designed to ensure that individuals are trained in safe handling and use of firearms.
Virginia law permits reciprocity for concealed carry permits from other states, allowing gun owners with valid permits from those states to carry concealed within Virginia, provided the other state’s laws align with Virginia’s requirements.
In 2016, Virginia passed a law allowing individuals on college campuses to carry concealed weapons, but each college or university has the authority to create its own policies regarding firearms on campus facilities.
Under Virginia law, carrying a firearm into certain locations is prohibited, including schools, government buildings, and during certain events, highlighting the importance of knowing restricted zones as part of responsible ownership.
A Supreme Court ruling in 2014 confirmed that individuals convicted of a misdemeanor related to domestic violence can be barred from firearm ownership, emphasizing the legal and societal responsibilities tied to firearm possession.
Virginia does not have a so-called ‘waiting period’ for gun purchases; once a background check clears, the buyer can take possession of the firearm immediately, which contrasts with policies in other states designed to allow potential buyers to reconsider their decision.
The Virginia State Police are responsible for conducting background checks for firearm purchases, utilizing the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
Certain types of "assault weapons" can still be legally possessed in Virginia; however, large capacity magazines with more than 20 rounds are prohibited as of 2020, demonstrating the state's evolving regulations responding to public safety concerns.
Virginia law allows for firearm sales between private parties; however, it is recommended—though not mandated—to conduct background checks to prevent illegal sales to prohibited individuals.
Gun owners in Virginia cannot possess firearms if they have been convicted of specific violent crimes or certain felonies, highlighting the principle of ensuring safety within the community through careful vetting.
There are restrictions on transporting firearms in Virginia; they must be unloaded and secured in a container (not glove compartments) when being transported in vehicles, showcasing an additional layer of safety in public spaces.
Gun buyers are advised to keep documentation related to the transfer of firearms for personal records in case of future legal inquiries, reinforcing the idea of accountability in ownership.
Virginia's gun laws can change with elections and legislative sessions, indicating a need for ongoing education and awareness for all gun owners about current and potential future regulations.
Recent legal changes have expanded local governments' authority to impose regulations on firearms, weaving a complex legal landscape where community-specific norms impact state-wide policies, urging vigilance for gun owners navigating these laws.