Are Bump Stocks Legal in Virginia?

BANNED: Virginia prohibits bump-fire stocks.

Federal law is only half the story in Virginia. The state has its own device ban on the books, and it applies no matter what the Supreme Court said in 2024. Here are the details.

What the law says

Virginia’s ban is codified at Va. Code § 18.2-308.5:1 (“trigger activators”).

  • Controlling law: Va. Code § 18.2-308.5:1 (“trigger activators”)
  • Enacted: 2020
  • Penalty: Class 6 felony

Virginia banned trigger activators effective 2020. Note: some compliance lists omit Virginia — it belongs on the banned list.

The federal picture

In Garland v. Cargill (decided June 2024), the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the ATF rule that had reclassified bump stocks as machine guns. Since that ruling, bump stocks are legal under federal law. That does not help you in Virginia: the state’s own ban operates independently of federal law and remains fully enforceable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I own a bump stock in Virginia?

No. Virginia law prohibits possession of bump-fire stocks, and violations can be charged as: class 6 felony. The federal ruling in Garland v. Cargill does not override state law.

Does the 2024 Supreme Court ruling make bump stocks legal in Virginia?

No. Garland v. Cargill (June 2024) removed the federal machine-gun classification, but states are free to enact their own bans — and Virginia has one. State law controls here.

Can I travel through Virginia with a bump stock in my vehicle?

Possession within the state generally triggers the ban, including in transit. If your route crosses Virginia, the safe move is to leave the device at home. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.

Nearby states

Where that leaves you

Because of the state ban described above, bump-fire stocks cannot be sold or shipped to Virginia, and this page exists for information only.

State device laws have shifted repeatedly since 2017, in both directions. If the law in Virginia changes, our newsletter subscribers are the first to hear about it — the signup form is available on our main site.

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Informational only, not legal advice. Laws change — verify current federal, state, and local law before purchasing. Last reviewed July 2026.