Illinois has specific regulations when it comes to air guns, which are designed to ensure the safety of both the user and the general public. These laws vary depending on the type of air gun and the age of the user.
Carrying a BB Gun in Your Car in Illinois
In Illinois, the laws surrounding carrying a BB gun in your car are closely tied to the classification of the air gun and the age of the individual. Here’s what you need to know:
- Classification: If the air gun is treated as a non-powder burning firearm (like high-power and large-caliber air guns), then its possession and transfer are regulated similarly to traditional firearms. This means that carrying such an air gun in your car would be subject to the same restrictions as carrying a traditional firearm.
- Age Restrictions: It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 13 to carry an air gun on public streets or lands, which includes transportation in a vehicle, unless the air gun is unloaded.
- Local Jurisdictions: It’s essential to be aware of local jurisdiction laws. Some cities or counties may have specific regulations about carrying or transporting air guns, including BB guns, in vehicles.
Given these regulations, if you plan to carry a BB gun in your car in Illinois, ensure it’s unloaded, especially if the user is under 13. Additionally, always check local laws to ensure you’re compliant, as they can vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Classification of Air Guns in Illinois
In Illinois, certain air guns are treated as non-powder burning firearms. This means that their purchase, possession, and transfer are regulated in the same way as traditional firearms. This category includes high-power and large-caliber air guns. However, exemptions exist:
- If the air gun is a pneumatic, spring, BB, or paintball gun that expels a single spherical projectile not exceeding .18″ in diameter.
- If it has a muzzle velocity that doesn’t exceed 700 feet per second.
- If it expels a breakable paintball containing washable marking colors.
Such air guns are not considered non-powder burning firearms.
Age Restrictions for Air Gun Ownership
Illinois law prohibits the sale or transfer of an air gun to anyone under 13 years of age. However, exceptions include transfers between parent and child, teacher and student, or guardian and ward. It’s illegal for anyone under 13 to carry an air gun on public streets or lands unless it’s unloaded. There are specific conditions under which a person under 13 can possess an air gun:
- It’s kept at their residence or a private enclosure.
- It’s used at an indoor or outdoor shooting range under adult supervision.
- It’s used on private grounds without endangering people or property.
Discharging an Air Gun
It’s illegal to discharge an air gun across public places, except at a safely constructed target range.
Purchasing Age for BB Guns and Air Rifles
In Illinois, you must be 18 years old to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle, or pellet gun. However, ownership starts at 13 years of age.
Illinois Air Gun Hunting Regulations
Illinois permits air gun hunting for specific species, including:
- Furbearers
- Small Game
FAQs
1. What classifies as a non-powder burning firearm in Illinois?
In Illinois, certain air guns are treated as non-powder burning firearms. This includes high-power and large-caliber air guns. However, if the air gun is a pneumatic, spring, BB, or paintball gun that expels a single spherical projectile not exceeding .18″ in diameter, or has a muzzle velocity that doesn’t exceed 700 feet per second, or expels a breakable paintball with washable marking colors, it is not considered a non-powder burning firearm.
2. At what age can someone purchase and own an air gun in Illinois?
In Illinois, an individual must be 18 years old to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle, or pellet gun. However, one can own such a gun from the age of 13. It’s essential to note that selling or transferring an air gun to anyone under 13 years of age is prohibited, with certain exceptions like transfers between parent and child.
3. Is it legal to discharge an air gun anywhere in Illinois?
It is illegal to discharge an air gun across public places such as streets, sidewalks, roads, highways, or any public land in Illinois. The only exception is if it’s done at a safely constructed target range.
Conclusion
While Illinois has specific state-wide regulations concerning air guns, it’s essential to be aware of local jurisdiction laws as they can vary. Always ensure you’re compliant with both state and local regulations when owning or using an air gun in Illinois.
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