diff --git a/defaults/main.yml b/defaults/main.yml
index 4acdfce..adfd38b 100644
--- a/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/defaults/main.yml
@@ -42,3 +42,6 @@ apache_mods_disabled: []
 
 # Set initial apache state. Recommended values: `started` or `stopped`
 apache_state: started
+
+# Set apache state when configuration changes are made. Recommended values: `restarted` or `reloaded`
+apache_restart_state: restarted
diff --git a/handlers/main.yml b/handlers/main.yml
index 25d14ec..53abffb 100644
--- a/handlers/main.yml
+++ b/handlers/main.yml
@@ -2,4 +2,4 @@
 - name: restart apache
   service:
     name: "{{ apache_service }}"
-    state: restarted
+    state: "{{ apache_restart_state }}"