Governor Hochul signs legislation that bans toy guns in New York, unless they are brightly colored or translucent

ALBANY, NY- Toys guns in New York are now banned, unless they are brightly colored or completely translucent.

This development is according to the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as she signed legislation Tuesday that she says is aimed to tighten restrictions on imitation weapons.

"Restricting these realistic-looking devices will ensure misleading and potentially dangerous devices are off our streets, keeping kids, law enforcement and all New Yorkers safe,” the Governor said.

New York Governor's Office image.

State officials cite the use of imitation weapons, or toy guns used to commit crimes.

According to data released by the Office of the Attorney General, there have been at least 63 shootings in New York State as a result of individuals mistaking imitation weapons for real firearms, eight of which have resulted in fatalities, and hundreds of crimes have been committed in New York City with imitation weapons.

There are limited exceptions to the law, such as imitation guns used in movies and like productions.

In short, this legislation makes any toy gun in New York illegal if it is black, blue silver or aluminum in appearance. The goal of this law is to make imitation weapons more easily identifiable, the Governor clarified.

Image courtesy via the State of New York Government.