Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in District of Columbia
Whether District of Columbia has a red flag (extreme risk) law and any limits on assault weapons or magazine capacity.
Short answer: Yes (extreme risk protection orders). A petition may be filed in D.C. Superior Court by a person related to the respondent or in a romantic, dating or sexual relationship with them, a sworn member of a law enforcement agency operating in the District, or a mental health professional. D.C. Code §§ 7-2510.01(2), 7-2510.03(a)(2), 7-2510.04
| Red flag law | Yes (extreme risk protection orders). A petition may be filed in D.C. Superior Court by a person related to the respondent or in a romantic, dating or sexual relationship with them, a sworn member of a law enforcement agency operating in the District, or a mental health professional. An ex parte order requires probable cause and lasts up to 14 days (extendable in 14-day increments for good cause); the hearing on a final order is held within 14 days of the petition; a final order is in effect for up to one year. |
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| Assault weapons and magazine limits | Assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles cannot be registered and so may not be possessed. No person may possess, sell or transfer a large capacity ammunition feeding device (capacity of more than 10 rounds, or readily restored or converted to more than 10), with a narrow exception for attached tubular devices that accept only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. |
More District of Columbia gun laws
- Concealed Carry in District of Columbia
- Open Carry in District of Columbia
- Buying a Gun in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia gun laws rules
FAQ
Does District of Columbia have a red flag law?
Yes (extreme risk protection orders). A petition may be filed in D.C. Superior Court by a person related to the respondent or in a romantic, dating or sexual relationship with them, a sworn member of a law enforcement agency operating in the District, or a mental health professional. An ex parte order requires probable cause and lasts up to 14 days (extendable in 14-day increments for good cause); the hearing on a final order is held within 14 days of the petition; a final order is in effect for up to one year.
Does District of Columbia ban assault weapons or high-capacity magazines?
Assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles cannot be registered and so may not be possessed. No person may possess, sell or transfer a large capacity ammunition feeding device (capacity of more than 10 rounds, or readily restored or converted to more than 10), with a narrow exception for attached tubular devices that accept only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.