When in California, it can be rather easy to wind up in trouble over the state’s strict knife laws. Known for being intentionally ambiguous as a deterrent to carrying knives, the laws can be difficult to interpret.
These knives are banned
Without exception, all of the below knives cannot be carried, owned, sold, purchased, imported or manufactured:
- Ballistic knives
- Belt buckle knives
- Air gauge knives
- Cane sword
- Butterfly knives
- Dirks or daggers that are concealed
- Shobi-Zue
- Lipstick case knives
- Writing pen knives
- Throwing stars (Shuriken)
As noted above, the majority of the illegal knives are those disguised as something other than what they really are. Surprisingly, switchblade knives are legal, although the blades must be under two inches.
What about the length of blades?
The length of the blade doesn’t have a maximum. But that doesn’t mean there are no regulations. For example, anyone caught on university or other school grounds with a knife over 2.5 inches is subject to arrest and prosecution.
There are other public venues besides schools that impose their own, more restrictive rules. Los Angeles disallows citywide open carry of knives with blades longer than three inches.
Additional switchblade restrictions
Here are the added restrictions defined by California Penal Code 21510 regarding switchblade carrying and use:
- Have the switchblade in the front seats or an area of the car in places open to the public.
- Carrying the switchblade on you if its blade exceeds legal length.
- Giving, selling, loaning, transferring or offering to sell a switchblade.
All of the above are misdemeanor charges for those who got arrested on knife charges.
Weapons charges are serious
Never neglect to vigorously defend yourself on any California weapons charge or violent crime. Knowledge and strategy can help you win your case.