Yes, crossbows are legal in Spain under strict conditions outlined in the Reglamento de Armas (Royal Decree 137/1993) and subsequent amendments. Hunters, sport shooters, and collectors may possess them with proper licensing, while unauthorized use risks severe penalties under regional hunting laws and the Código Penal.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Spain
- Licensing Requirements: A Licencia de Arma de Caza (hunting license) or Licencia Federativa (sport shooting license) is mandatory. Crossbows classified as “Category 3” weapons require registration with the Guardia Civil’s Servicio de Armas y Explosivos.
- Regional Hunting Restrictions: Autonomous communities (e.g., Castilla y León, Andalucía) impose seasonal bans or caliber limits. For instance, Catalonia prohibits crossbow hunting of wild boar outside designated periods.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ley de Patrimonio Natural y Biodiversidad (2023) empowers regional governments to tighten crossbow use in protected areas, effective January 2026. Hunters must verify local ordinances annually.
Additional constraints include:
- Prohibited Use: Crossbows may not be carried in urban areas or public spaces without justification.
- Storage Rules: Unloaded crossbows must be secured in a locked safe, per Artículo 42 of the Reglamento de Armas.
- Penalties: Illegal possession or use may result in fines up to €30,000 or imprisonment under Artículo 144 of the Código Penal for aggravated harm.