Published: April 7, 2026 | Category: Firearms Law | Author: Attorney Thomas Maas

California’s New 3-Firearm-Per-Month Rule Just Took Effect — Here’s What Solano County Gun Owners Need to Know

If you purchased a firearm at a Solano County dealer recently — or if you were planning to — you need to know about a significant law that quietly took effect on April 1, 2026. Under California Assembly Bill 1078, gun owners are now limited to purchasing no more than three firearms within any 30-day period. And yes, the law applies even if you had no idea it existed.

Here is what the law says, who it affects, and what you should do if you are concerned about a past or upcoming purchase.

What AB 1078 Actually Does

California AB 1078 limits the number of firearms any person may apply to purchase within a single 30-day period to three. Dealers are now required to post conspicuous warnings inside their licensed premises informing customers of this restriction.

This law replaces an earlier one-handgun-per-month restriction that was struck down by the courts. The legislature crafted AB 1078 specifically to survive constitutional challenge — which means it is, for now, enforceable law across the state, including in Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, Benicia, and every other city in Solano County.

Who This Affects in Solano County

This law matters to a wide range of Solano County residents:

• Collectors and enthusiasts. If you attend gun shows, buy from multiple dealers within a short window, or typically acquire firearms in groups, your purchasing patterns may now inadvertently run afoul of this limit — even with entirely lawful intent.
• Licensed dealers and their customers. If a purchase would push a buyer past the three-firearm cap in a 30-day window, the dealer is required to decline the transaction.
• People who recently purchased multiple firearms. If you bought two or more guns in the days just before April 1, 2026, and then completed a third or fourth purchase on or after April 1, you may have questions about how the 30-day window is calculated.

What Counts Toward the Limit?

The three-firearm cap applies to applications to purchase within the same 30-day period. This is not a calendar-month rule — it is a rolling 30-day window calculated from your most recent purchase application. Handguns, rifles, and shotguns all count. If you are unsure whether a prior transaction affects your current window, the safest step is to consult with an attorney before completing another purchase.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

Knowingly attempting to purchase more than three firearms within a 30-day period — or misrepresenting information on a purchase application to circumvent the limit — can expose a buyer to criminal liability. Violations of California firearms purchase laws can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances, and a firearms-related conviction can trigger additional consequences under California’s ever-expanding weapons laws.

This is not a technicality. California law enforcement and the Department of Justice actively monitor Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) data. A pattern that looks intentional can draw scrutiny quickly.

A Note on Solano County’s Legal Landscape

Solano County sits between two major metropolitan areas and is home to Travis Air Force Base, a significant active-duty and veteran population, and a large number of licensed firearms owners. Many residents in Vallejo, Dixon, and Rio Vista have firearms for ranch or agricultural use. Others are competitive shooters or collectors who acquire multiple firearms within short timeframes as a normal part of their hobby.

None of that background exempts anyone from AB 1078. But it does mean that innocent violations are a real possibility — and that the facts and context of any situation matter enormously if an issue arises.

What to Do If You Are Facing Charges or Under Investigation

If you have been charged with a firearms offense, are under investigation, or have reason to believe charges may be coming, do not wait. The 2026 changes to California firearms law have raised the stakes significantly — what might have been a minor issue in prior years can now carry far heavier consequences.

A criminal defense attorney with firearms law experience can review the specific facts of your situation confidentially and begin building your defense before the process moves further against you. The earlier you have counsel, the more options you have.

Talk to Attorney Thomas Maas

Attorney Thomas Maas has helped clients throughout Solano County — from Vallejo to Vacaville and everywhere in between — navigate California’s complex firearms laws. If you have a question about a purchase, a pending charge, or how the 2026 legal changes affect your rights, Thomas Maas is here to help.

Contact our office today to speak with Thomas Maas in a confidential consultation.

Disclaimer

This post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have a specific legal concern, please contact our office directly.