Are Crossbows Legal in the UK? The 2026 Law Changes Explained
Crossbows are legal to own in the UK. You do not currently need a licence, there is no registration system, and there are no limits on power or draw weight. But that is all about to change.
In March 2026, the UK government confirmed plans to ban the sale of crossbows entirely and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for existing owners. These are the biggest changes to crossbow legislation since the Crossbows Act 1987.
We have been selling crossbows from our Scarborough shop and online for years, and we deal with questions about the law almost daily. Here is where things stand right now, what is coming, and what it means if you own or want to buy a crossbow.
What Does the Current Law Say?
The existing rules are straightforward. You must be 18 or older to buy or possess a crossbow. It is illegal to carry one in a public place without a lawful reason. You can use a crossbow on private land with the landowner's permission. There are no legal limits on draw weight, bolt speed, or power output.
These rules have been in place largely unchanged since the Crossbows Act 1987. For nearly four decades, responsible adults have been free to purchase crossbows for target shooting, collecting, and sport without background checks, permits, or registration. That era is coming to an end.
What Is Changing?
The government's response to its public consultation, published in March 2026, confirmed two major shifts.
First, the sale of crossbows will be prohibited. Retailers, online and in shops, will eventually no longer be permitted to sell crossbows to the public. There is no fixed date for this yet. The ban requires new primary legislation, so the timeline depends on when Parliament passes the necessary laws.
Second, a licensing scheme will be introduced for existing owners. If you already own a crossbow, you will not be forced to hand it in. Instead, you will need to apply for a licence and pass suitability checks. The government has indicated these checks will work similarly to shotgun licensing, though the details are still being finalised.
Broadhead arrows and bolts will also be prohibited. Since hunting with a crossbow is already illegal in the UK, the government's view is that there is no legitimate civilian use for them.
Separately, the Crime and Policing Bill has already introduced stricter rules for online sales. Retailers must carry out stronger age verification at the point of sale and at delivery. Photo ID is now required, and the named buyer must be present to receive the package. Deliveries to drop lockers or alternative addresses are no longer permitted.
Why Is the Law Changing?
Reform gained serious momentum after the murders in Bushey, Hertfordshire in July 2024 and the Headingley crossbow attack in April 2025. Laura Sugden, whose partner Shane Gilmer was killed in a crossbow attack in 2018, has campaigned for tighter regulation for years. The proposed reforms may be known as Shane's Law.
The government's call for evidence received nearly 3,000 responses. The majority of crossbow owners opposed further restrictions. The government concluded that public safety concerns outweigh those objections, particularly given how easily crossbows can currently be purchased without any checks or oversight.
Do You Need a Licence for a Crossbow Right Now?
No. As of today, no licence is required. There is no registration system and no mandatory background checks. This will change once the licensing scheme is formally introduced through legislation. The government has not published a timeline yet, but it will follow a further consultation on the detailed rules.
Can You Still Buy a Crossbow in the UK?
Yes. The proposed sales ban has not yet been enacted because it requires new primary legislation. Until that passes, crossbows remain legally available from authorised retailers.
The new age verification requirements are already in effect for online purchases. You will need photo ID at the point of purchase and must be present with ID when the crossbow is delivered.
Can I Use a Crossbow in My Garden?
Your garden is private land, so there is no specific law against it. But the practical requirements are serious. You need a proper backstop rated for crossbow bolts, enough clear space that no bolt can leave your property, and no risk to neighbours or passers by. Standard garden fences will not stop a crossbow bolt. If your garden is small or overlooked, a crossbow club is the better option.
Is a Crossbow Classed as a Firearm?
No. Crossbows fall under separate legislation (the Crossbows Act 1987) and are not classified as firearms. This is why they have historically faced less regulation than guns and shotguns. The upcoming reforms aim to bring controls closer in line with firearms legislation, but crossbows will remain a distinct legal category.
Can You Hunt with a Crossbow in the UK?
No. Hunting any animal with a crossbow is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Deer Act 1991. This has been the case for decades and is separate from the new changes. Crossbows may only be used for target shooting, sport, and collecting. The ban on broadhead bolts reinforces this.
Is It Legal to Shoot a Scotsman with a Crossbow in York?
No. This is an internet myth that turns up in pub quizzes. You cannot legally shoot anyone with a crossbow regardless of their nationality or which city you are in. Modern assault laws apply to everyone equally, and anyone testing this theory will discover that very quickly.
What Should Crossbow Owners Do Now?
If you already own a crossbow, there is no immediate action required. Your crossbow is legal to possess and the licensing scheme has not been introduced yet. When it is, you will need to apply. Keep an eye on government announcements and stay in touch with any crossbow or archery organisations you are part of.
If you have been thinking about buying one, the window is narrowing. Once the sales ban passes through Parliament, no retailer will be able to sell crossbows. We carry a full range from compact pistol models to high powered compound setups. Browse our crossbow collection while stock is available.