Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-8(e)[1] prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, and transfer of three categories of weapons: unserialized firearms (ghost guns), undetectable firearms, and 3D-printed firearms. The statute addresses a class of weapons that are difficult or impossible for law enforcement to trace when recovered at crime scenes.
Scope of the Ban
The prohibition covers three distinct categories, each of which is defined in Section 11-47-2 rather than in Section 11-47-8(e) itself. Unserialized firearms, commonly called ghost guns, are any firearms that lack a serial number assigned by a licensed manufacturer or importer, including those assembled from parts kits or unfinished frames and receivers. Undetectable firearms are those designed or constructed so that they are not detectable by walk-through metal detectors or airport security imaging technology. 3D-printed firearms are weapons produced in whole or in substantial part through additive manufacturing processes. The law treats all three categories as equally prohibited, regardless of whether the weapon is functional.[2]
Limited Exception for FFL Type 07
The only statutory exception applies to holders of a Federal Firearms License Type 07 (manufacturers of firearms and ammunition). Licensed manufacturers who produce serialized firearms in accordance with ATF regulations are exempt from the prohibition during the course of their manufacturing operations. This exception does not extend to Type 01 (dealers) or Type 02 (pawnbrokers) license holders, nor to any individual who manufactures firearms for personal use.
Penalties
A person who violates Section 11-47-8(e) faces imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.[3] Manufacturing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, possessing, and having such a weapon under one's control are each prohibited acts under the same subsection, so a violation does not require any commercial activity. Except for a first conviction, a violator is not eligible for suspension or deferment of sentence, probation, or a fine-only disposition. The severity of the penalties reflects the legislature's determination that untraceable and undetectable firearms pose a distinct public safety threat.