Maine’s Red Flag Law Will Take Effect This Week

A law that aims to keep firearms out of the hands of people who pose a threat is set to take effect this week.

Maine Becomes the Latest State to Enact a Red Flag Law

On Saturday, Maine joins over 20 other states in enacting a Red Flag Law, which is different from the current Yellow Flag Law.

Both are meant to keep firearms out of the hands of people in crisis, who may pose a threat to others. But the red flag law could speed up the process and give family members more control over the situation.

Maine Has a Yellow Flag Law that Requires a Mental Health Evaluation to Remove Guns

Under a yellow flag law, a judge would require a mental health evaluation before removing firearms from their home.

READ MORE: You Won't Believe These Odd Laws Still Exist in Maine

So a concerned family member would notify law enforcement, who would then possibly place the person in protective custody and get an evaluation. The process can be slow, however, due to a shortage of mental health providers.

If the evaluation supports the complaint, the police be able to remove the firearms.

The Maine Red Flag Law Goes Into Effect in February, Giving Families More Control

Under the Red Flag Law, that family member would be able to go directly to the courts and petition for the removal of firearms, without the need for a mental health evaluation.

The complainant would be required to produce 'proof of risk' that the individual poses an immediate and significant threat of causing harm.

If the proof of risk is sufficient, a judge can rule to temporarily remove the subject's firearms and prevent them from buying more.

According to Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions, the Red Flag law more closely resembles the request for a domestic violence protection order.

Maine voted to approve the Red Flag Law in November 2025, and it will go into effect on Saturday, February 21, 2026.