New Jersey’s magazine ban makes it a fourth-degree crime to possess any ammunition magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds and feeds into a semi-automatic firearm. The limit applies to nearly every civilian in the state, including permit-to-carry holders, and each prohibited magazine is a separate offense carrying up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
What the 10-Round Limit Covers
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(y), a large capacity ammunition magazine is any box, drum, tube, or other container capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm.1FindLaw. New Jersey Code 2C:39-1 – Definitions The law looks at capacity, not load. An empty 15-round magazine sitting in a drawer is treated the same as a fully loaded one.
Both detachable and fixed magazines are covered. A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed internal magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is classified as an assault firearm under the 2018 law.2New Jersey Legislature. Assembly Bill 2761
Semi-automatic shotguns face a tighter rule. A semi-automatic shotgun with a magazine capacity over six rounds is classified as an assault firearm, so the practical shotgun limit is six, not ten.
Two narrow carve-outs exist inside the definition itself. Attached tubular devices designed exclusively for .22 caliber rimfire ammunition are not treated as large capacity magazines regardless of how many rounds they hold.1FindLaw. New Jersey Code 2C:39-1 – Definitions And a magazine that has been permanently altered so it cannot accept more than 10 rounds is excluded. The word “permanently” is doing real work: under N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.2, a magazine blocked with a piece of wood or a removable pin still counts as a prohibited magazine.3New Jersey Legislature. Bill A2761 The block has to be genuinely irreversible.
Who Is Exempt
The exemptions are narrow, and they do not extend to ordinary gun owners.
Active Law Enforcement
Active-duty officers are exempt from the ban while on duty or traveling to or from an authorized place of duty. Off duty, an officer can carry magazines holding up to 17 rounds. Anything larger off duty must be a service firearm issued by the officer’s employer for official duties.4Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-3 – Prohibited Weapons and Devices
Retired Law Enforcement
Retired officers authorized to carry a handgun under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(l) may possess magazines holding up to 15 rounds for use with a semi-automatic handgun.5Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-17 – Retired Law Enforcement Officers Permitted to Possess, Carry Certain Ammunition The statute does not cover rifle or shotgun magazines.
Military and National Guard
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the National Guard are exempt while on duty or traveling to or from duty, provided possession is authorized under applicable regulations or military orders.4Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-3 – Prohibited Weapons and Devices The exemption does not reach off-duty personal use. A service member heading to the range on a Saturday with personally owned firearms is bound by the 10-round limit like anyone else.
Pre-2018 Registered Firearms
People who registered a firearm with a fixed or detachable magazine holding up to 15 rounds under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-20 during the 2018 registration window can continue to possess that specific registered configuration.4Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-3 – Prohibited Weapons and Devices Owners of assault firearms registered for competitive shooting matches sanctioned by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship keep a similar limited exception. Neither is a general right to acquire new higher-capacity magazines.
Permit to Carry Holders Are Not Exempt
A New Jersey Permit to Carry does not create any exception to the 10-round limit. Every magazine you carry on your person, in your vehicle, or in your home has to hold 10 rounds or fewer.
What to Do If You Already Own Prohibited Magazines
The 180-day grace period that followed the 2018 amendment is long gone, so continued possession is itself the offense. Three compliance paths remain open.
Permanent Modification
A gunsmith can alter the magazine so it physically cannot accept more than 10 rounds. Riveted or epoxied internal blocks are the usual method. If the modification can be reversed with basic tools, it does not count.3New Jersey Legislature. Bill A2761
Voluntary Surrender
You can surrender prohibited magazines to law enforcement under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-12, but the procedure has to be followed. You must give written notice to the superintendent of the State Police or the chief of police in your municipality, stating the proposed date and time of surrender.6Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-12 – Voluntary Surrender The notice has to be received before any charges are filed or investigation begins. Transport the magazines unloaded and secured.
Transfer or Sale
You can transfer the magazines to someone legally authorized to possess them, such as a licensed firearms dealer, who can in turn sell to an out-of-state buyer. The 2018 statute recognized transfer as a compliance path.2New Jersey Legislature. Assembly Bill 2761 This is the only option that lets you recover some of the cost.
Criminal Penalties
Knowingly possessing a large capacity magazine is a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(j).4Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:39-3 – Prohibited Weapons and Devices The maximum prison term is 18 months7FindLaw. New Jersey Code 2C:43-6 – Sentence of Imprisonment for Crime and the maximum fine is $10,000.8Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:43-3 – Fines and Restitutions
Each magazine counts as a separate offense. Three prohibited magazines can generate three distinct fourth-degree charges, each with its own potential sentence and fine. Prosecutors have discretion over how to charge, but the statutory exposure stacks fast for anyone who kept a pre-2018 collection intact.
Firearm Forfeiture
A magazine violation can also cost you your firearms. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1, firearms unlawfully possessed or connected to illegal activity are contraband subject to seizure and forfeiture.9Justia. New Jersey Code 2C:64-1 – Property Subject to Forfeiture If police find a prohibited magazine during a traffic stop or a home search, the firearm it was paired with — and potentially other firearms on the premises — can be seized. Getting them back is a separate proceeding, and success is not guaranteed even when the criminal case resolves in your favor.
The Pending Court Challenge
The ban is being challenged in federal court. In ANJRPC v. Platkin, the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs is contesting both the assault weapons ban and the magazine restriction. The Third Circuit took the case en banc and heard oral argument on October 15, 2025.10CourtListener. Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs I v. Attorney General New Jersey As of early 2026 no decision has issued. The ban is fully enforceable in the meantime, and treating a possible future ruling as a reason to delay compliance would be a mistake.