States With the Strictest Gun Laws main image
Scroll Down To Continue

States With the Strictest Gun Laws

In recent years, debates around gun control in the United States have intensified, forcing many states to reassess and strengthen their gun laws. While some states maintain relatively lax policies, others have put strict regulations in place in order to reduce gun violence and promote public safety. In 2024, a variety of measures—such as comprehensive background checks, waiting periods, assault weapon bans, and high-capacity magazine restrictions—define the strictest gun laws in the country.

We’ll dive into the top ten states with the most rigid gun regulations, exploring what sets them apart. We’ll examine the specific laws, what each state does to keep its communities safe, and the effectiveness of these efforts. By learning about these states, we get a better picture of how different areas handle gun safety and why certain laws exist. Whether you’re interested in the rules themselves or how they affect daily life, this list gives a closer look at which states have the strictest gun laws today.

#10 Washington

#10 Washington

Washington enforces strict gun laws, including universal background checks, a 10-day waiting period for semiautomatic rifles, and extreme risk protection orders, which allow temporary firearm removal from individuals deemed a risk. Safety training is also required for certain firearm purchases.

These regulations contribute to Washington’s relatively low gun death rates. Risk protection orders, in particular, are seen as effective in preventing potential violence, reducing gun-related suicides, and keeping firearms away from dangerous individuals, thus enhancing public safety.

trongnguyen/Adobe Stock

#9 Rhode Island

#9 Rhode Island

Rhode Island comes in at #9 on our list. The state requires mandatory background checks, a seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases, and a ban on high-capacity magazines. It also requires gun buyers to complete safety training courses

While Rhode Island’s gun violence rates are among the lowest in the U.S., the effectiveness of these laws is still debated. Supporters credit them with reducing accidental shootings and limiting gun access to high-risk individuals, helping keep the public safe.

Nomad_Soul/Adobe Stock

#8 Illinois

#8 Illinois

Illinois gun laws include mandatory background checks for all gun purchases, a 72-hour waiting period, and firearm owner identification (FOID) cards. The state also bans high-capacity magazines and restricts certain assault weapons, aiming to control access and enhance public safety.

Results have been mixed, with some studies indicating reduced gun-related homicides in areas outside Chicago, where enforcement is strongest. The FOID card system has proven effective in screening applicants, contributing to lower gun ownership rates compared to less-regulated states.

Nomad_Soul/Adobe Stock

#7 Maryland

#7 Maryland

Maryland requires background checks for all handgun sales, a permit to purchase handguns, and fingerprinting for handgun license applicants. The state also restricts assault weapons and bans high-capacity magazines holding over 10 rounds.

These laws have positively impacted public safety, as Maryland’s gun-related death rate is approximately 11 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than the national average of 13. Research suggests Maryland’s policies contribute to reduced gun violence, particularly in urban areas.

Matthew Tighe/Adobe Stock

#6 Massachusetts

#6 Massachusetts

In addition to the usual mandatory background checks, license requirements, and ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, Massachusetts also has mandated safe storage for firearms, which reduces accidental injuries.

Citizens have to go through their local police department to get a permit to purchase a firearm, and that process can take weeks with the police chief still being able to deny the license. With these strict laws comes the lowest gun death rate at 3.4 per 100,000 people.

zimmytws/Adobe Stock

#5 Hawaii

#5 Hawaii

Hawaii has the usual mandatory background checks, firearm registration, and a permit for each gun purchase. The state also has a 14-day waiting period and bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

These laws have proven highly effective, with Hawaii consistently reporting one of the lowest gun-related death rates in the country, approximately 4.8 per 100,000 people. Studies show Hawaii’s comprehensive policies help maintain low levels of gun violence and contribute significantly to public safety.

steheap/Adobe Stock

#4 New York

#4 New York

New York requires background checks for all gun purchases, a permit for handgun ownership, and registration of all handguns. The state also bans high-capacity magazines and assault weapons to limit access to dangerous firearms.

These strict measures have contributed to New York's relatively low gun-related death rate, with around 5 deaths per 100,000 people. However, that doesn’t stop individuals from safely owning weapons because the state’s gun ownership rate is 19.9%.

ecstk22/Adobe Stock

#3 Connecticut

#3 Connecticut

Connecticut has some of the nation’s toughest gun laws, requiring background checks for all gun sales, permits for handgun purchases, and a 14-day waiting period. The state also bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

These laws have been effective in reducing gun-related deaths, with Connecticut reporting a rate of around 6 deaths per 100,000 people. Studies indicate that Connecticut’s strict regulations contribute to fewer gun-related suicides and homicides, making the state safer overall.

niyazz/Adobe Stock

#2 New Jersey

#2 New Jersey

New Jersey enforces mandatory background checks for all gun sales, a permit requirement for handgun purchases, and a ban on high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The state also requires firearms owners to complete a gun safety course.

These laws have proven effective, as New Jersey consistently reports one of the lowest gun death rates in the U.S., with around 5 deaths per 100,000 people. It also has the lowest gun ownership rate—tied with Massachusetts—at 14.7%.

Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock

#1 California

#1 California

California is #1 in the nation for strict gun laws, including universal background checks for all gun purchases, a 10-day waiting period, and a ban on high-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The state also banned assault weapons and requires gun owners to register their firearms.

These laws have proven effect. California has the seventh-lowest rate of deaths by gun violence, with 9 deaths per 100,000 people. The state’s gun laws provide funding for community programs that have successfully reduced gun-related violence.

DD25/Adobe Stock