Gun Laws/Maryland/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Are forced reset triggers legal in Maryland?

Quick answer

No

Maryland: Treated as a machine gun or rapid fire device under state law.

1 of Maryland's 4 neighboring states has the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with forced reset triggers.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Forced reset trigger laws by state

Alabama: No state banAlaska: No state banArizona: No state banColorado: RestrictedFlorida: No state banGeorgia: No state banIndiana: No state banKansas: No state banMaine: No state banMassachusetts: RestrictedMinnesota: RestrictedNew Jersey: RestrictedNorth Carolina: No state banNorth Dakota: No state banOklahoma: No state banPennsylvania: No state banSouth Dakota: No state banTexas: No state banWyoming: No state banConnecticut: RestrictedMissouri: No state banWest Virginia: No state banIllinois: RestrictedNew Mexico: No state banArkansas: No state banCalifornia: RestrictedDelaware: RestrictedHawaii: RestrictedIowa: No state banKentucky: No state banMaryland: RestrictedMichigan: No state banMississippi: No state banMontana: No state banNew Hampshire: No state banNew York: RestrictedOhio: No state banOregon: RestrictedTennessee: No state banUtah: No state banVirginia: No state banWashington: RestrictedWisconsin: No state banNebraska: No state banSouth Carolina: No state banIdaho: No state banNevada: RestrictedVermont: No state banLouisiana: No state banRhode Island: RestrictedALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
No state ban (35)Restricted (15)Forced reset trigger laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means No state ban; caution means Unsettled; restricted means Restricted

Triggers that stay legal in Maryland

A forced reset trigger is treated as a machine gun in Maryland. A fast single stage drop in is not.

In stock, ranked by what builders add most. One listing per model.

Geissele Automatics Llc Ar-15 Ssa-E X Lightning Bow Trigger
GeisseleGeissele Automatics Llc Ar-15 Ssa-E X Lightning Bow Trigger
$280.49In stock
Geissele Automatics Llc Ar-15 Ssa X Lightning Bow Trigger
GeisseleGeissele Automatics Llc Ar-15 Ssa X Lightning Bow Trigger
$273.99In stock
Alg Defense Qms Ar-15 Trigger Set
ALG DefenseAlg Defense Qms Ar-15 Trigger Set
$60.74In stock
Rise Armament Super Sporting Ar15/10 Single Stage Trigger - Flat - Dtom Special Edition
Rise ArmamentRise Armament Super Sporting Ar15/10 Single Stage Trigger - Flat - Dtom Special Edition
$108.09In stock
Compare every trigger →

Prices update hourly. Not legal advice, confirm your own configuration before you buy. All Maryland gun laws

Maryland law in detail

  • Maryland is one of fifteen states, plus the District of Columbia, whose trigger activator or rate of fire statutes reach forced reset triggers. The 2025 federal settlement does not override a state ban.
  • Search Maryland's code for "multiburst trigger activator" and "trigger activator", not "forced reset trigger". Most of these statutes predate FRTs and never use the phrase, which is why people search, find nothing and conclude they are in the clear.
  • A standard fast single stage or two stage drop in trigger is not affected by any of these statutes.

The federal rule

Under the 2025 Justice Department settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, ATF no longer treats a forced reset trigger that fires one round per trigger function as a machine gun. That settles federal law only; a state can still ban FRTs under its own machine gun, rapid fire device or multiburst trigger statute.

FRTs in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Are forced reset triggers legal in Maryland?

No. Maryland: Treated as a machine gun or rapid fire device under state law. Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on forced reset triggers?

Under the 2025 Justice Department settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, ATF no longer treats a forced reset trigger that fires one round per trigger function as a machine gun. That settles federal law only; a state can still ban FRTs under its own machine gun, rapid fire device or multiburst trigger statute.

How many states restrict forced reset triggers?

Nationwide by our review: 35 states: no state ban; 15: restricted.

More Maryland gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Maryland statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.