Are Flamethrowers Legal in New Hampshire? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Flamethrowers are legal in New Hampshire as of 2026.

Key Restriction
None statewide
Penalty
None
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Quick Answer

Flamethrowers are legal to own and use in New Hampshire with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.

What the Law Says

State law does not specifically regulate or ban the possession of flamethrowers. However, the use of a flamethrower is subject to general public safety laws, and misuse can be prosecuted under various criminal statutes.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 158:35
Category Details
Ownership Legal, no permit required
Purchase Legal
Penalties N/A
Age Restriction No state restriction
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.

Enforcement Reality

New Hampshire law does not specifically regulate flamethrowers. However, their use is subject to state and local fire codes, and misuse can lead to prosecution for reckless conduct.

Charge Level
No criminal penalty for possession. Misuse can lead to charges like reckless endangerment or arson, which can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity.
Enforcement Likelihood
Very low for simple possession. High if used in a reckless or malicious manner, or in violation of local fire ordinances.
Common Triggers
Using the flamethrower in a way that endangers people or property, violating local burn bans, using it for criminal purposes like arson or intimidation.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using a flamethrower for snow and ice removal, which can damage property and create a fire hazard.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across New Hampshire. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

New Hampshire vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, owning a flamethrower is fully legal in 48 states, restricted in 1, and illegal in 1. New Hampshire falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →
EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

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Statute Summary
State law does not specifically regulate or ban the possession of flamethrowers. However, the use of a flamethrower is subject to general public safety laws, and misuse can be prosecuted under various…
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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