Is Paintball Illegal in the UK?
Because paintball involves the use of what some would class as ‘guns’, we often get asked questions about the laws and legislation surrounding paintball. Do you need a licence before playing paintball? Can you play paintball anywhere? In public? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the legalities of paintball in this country. Let’s answer the most important question first – is paintball illegal in the UK?
No, paintball isn’t illegal in the UK. However, owning a paintball gun does come with certain legal limitations. You’re allowed to own one if it’s for “reasonable use”, i.e., playing paintball. Carrying one around in public, for no real reason, might get you into trouble.
Read on to learn more about where you can legally play paintball, if paintball guns are illegal, and how you can play in accordance with the law.
So, is Paintball Illegal in the UK?
Whilst playing paintball isn’t illegal in itself, there are certain laws around owning and using a paintball gun/marker. After all, they are classed as a firearm, so they fall under the Firearms Act 1968. The Firearms Act prohibits you from possessing a paintball marker in a public place without a valid reason.
If you own a paintball marker, you must be at least 17 years old and use it responsibly. It is also recommended to have a valid membership with the United Kingdom Paintball Sports Federation (UKPSF) to ensure adherence to safety standards and legal requirements.
Are Paintball Guns Legal?
Yes, paintball guns are legal to own by someone over the age of 17, so long as they comply with strictly controlled limits. Paintball markers must not shoot at a velocity greater than 300 feet per second to ensure the safety of others around, as set out in law by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
To learn more about the age limits in paintball, read our helpful blog: How Old Do You Have To Be To Go Paintballing?
Is it Legal To Carry a Paintball Gun Around?
Yes, it is illegal to carry a paintball gun around without a reasonable excuse because a paintball is classed as an air weapon according to UK law. Section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968 states:
“A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on him) he has with him in a public place, a loaded shot gun, an air weapon (whether loaded or not), any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm, or an imitation firearm.”
Where Can I Legally Play Paintball in the UK?
In the UK, there are several places where you can legally play paintball. Of course, the best place to play paintball is at a regulated paintball centre. These sites are designed specifically for paintball, with proper safety measures, equipment, and well-trained staff. Plus, you can hire all of the equipment on-site, so you don’t have to carry a paintball gun around with you.
Can I Play Paintball in the Woods?
Unless you own the land, no you can’t just go and play paintball in any old wooded area. However, the issue is that in the UK, even if you own a piece of land, pedestrians can use any public footpaths on your land and have the right to access them at any time.
You must not cause any harm to passers-by when playing paintball, as you may get into legal trouble, so you must put up the appropriate safety nets and barriers (or play far away from footpaths!) to ensure stray pellets don’t hit any members of the public.
Can I Play Paintball in My Garden?
Yes, legally you can play paintball in your own garden provided that you own the property and don’t just rent it off someone. If you rent your property, then you may need your landlord’s explicit permission to play paintball.
Whilst you have every right to play paintball on your own land, if there is a risk that people could pass by and accidentally get hit with a paintball outside of your property’s boundary (i.e. if you have short garden fences) then you must put up an appropriate safety net.
Regulated Paintball Centres in the UK
If you’re looking for a regulated, safe, paintball site, look no further than Velocity Paintball. We have three legally compliant sites in the South of England, with equipment that goes above and beyond basic safety standards.
Ready to book your game? Email us at team@velocitypaintball.co.uk or book straight through our website. Don’t forget to get to read our 10 Tips and Tactics for Paintball Success beforehand!
