Maryland’s laws regarding pocket knives are part of a broader set of regulations governing knives and other edged weapons. Understanding these laws is crucial for individuals who wish to carry knives legally in the state.
Overview of Maryland Knife Laws
Maryland’s knife laws are detailed and can be complex, with specific definitions for different types of knives. The state allows the open carry of certain knives, but there are restrictions on concealed carry and specific types of knives considered dangerous.
Legal Definitions
- Penknives: Under Maryland law, a “penknife” is defined as any knife with a blade that folds into the handle, regardless of blade length. These are generally allowed to be carried openly or concealed without a switchblade mechanism.
- Dangerous Weapons: The law defines dangerous weapons as items like dirk knives, bowie knives, switchblades, and nunchaku. These are subject to specific restrictions.
Types of Knives and Their Legal Status
Manual Folding Knives (Penknives)
- Legal Status: These are legal to carry openly or concealed as long as they do not have a switchblade mechanism.
- Carry Restrictions: There are no blade length restrictions for manual folding knives, and they are exempt from the concealed carry restrictions applicable to other types of knives.
Automatic Knives (Switchblades)
- Legal Status: Generally prohibited for concealed carry. They can be carried openly in some cases but are subject to local ordinances.
- Carry Restrictions: Cities like Baltimore have specific ordinances restricting automatic knives.
Gravity Knives
- Legal Status: Considered similar to switchblades and are generally prohibited.
Carrying Laws
Open Carry
- Permitted: Open carry is allowed for knives that are not classified as dangerous weapons and are not carried with the intent to harm.
- Restrictions: Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions on open carry.
Concealed Carry
- Permitted: Concealed carry is allowed for folding knives that are not switchblades or spring-activated.
- Restrictions: Requires a concealed carry permit for certain types of knives, and carrying a dangerous weapon concealed is generally prohibited.
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Possession of knives on public school property is prohibited, except for butter knives or knife-shaped objects.
- Government Buildings: Federal buildings, courthouses, and other government facilities may have their own restrictions on knife possession.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Maryland’s knife laws can result in fines or imprisonment, depending on the nature of the violation. For example, carrying a prohibited knife can lead to serious legal consequences.
Maryland allows the open and concealed carry of manual folding knives (penknives) without switchblades. However, automatic knives and gravity knives are subject to stricter regulations. Understanding these laws is essential to avoid legal issues when carrying knives in Maryland.
Key Points:
- Penknives: Legal to carry openly or concealed if without a switchblade mechanism.
- Automatic Knives: Generally prohibited for concealed carry; open carry allowed in some cases.
- Gravity Knives: Prohibited due to similarity with switchblades.
- Carrying Laws: Open carry allowed for non-dangerous knives; concealed carry requires no permit for penknives.
- Restricted Locations: Schools and government buildings have specific restrictions.
- Penalties: Violations can result in fines or imprisonment.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-maryland-navigating-legal-carry-and-restrictions/
[2] http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/maryland-knife-laws
[3] https://casetext.com/case/bacon-v-state-97
[4] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/maryland-knife-laws/
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/maryland-knife-laws/
