Is It Legal To Own/carry Otf(out The Front) Automatic Switchblade Knives In Maryland?
Like the ones where you press a button and it flicks out. Thank you!
It is legal to own them, and to carry them openly in plain view of others in most circumstances.
Maryland has two knife laws. Title 4-105 makes it illegal to SELL switchblades, but that's all it does. It has no other effects. Title 4-101 is the general law on weapon carry. But it only regulates CONCEALED carry or open carry if you are a minor, live in a specific county, are traveling in public at night, and don't have a lawful reason.
Be advised of two important considerations:
1. It is illegal by federal law to sell switchblades over state lines. Combined with Title 4-105, this means if you want to buy, you have to travel out of state in-person. Mind though that both laws only affect the seller and not the buyer.
2. Beware county and city laws! Some local jurisdictions DO make it illegal to carry them even openly.
They are legal to own in Maryland, but may not be carried concealed.
References :
As I read the law, it does not appear that you are allowed to carry anything more than a penknife.
Here is the law and a court case that is pertinent to it:
http://www.thebladeshop.com/Maryland_s/510.htm
References :
It is legal to own them, and to carry them openly in plain view of others in most circumstances.
Maryland has two knife laws. Title 4-105 makes it illegal to SELL switchblades, but that’s all it does. It has no other effects. Title 4-101 is the general law on weapon carry. But it only regulates CONCEALED carry or open carry if you are a minor, live in a specific county, are traveling in public at night, and don’t have a lawful reason.
Be advised of two important considerations:
1. It is illegal by federal law to sell switchblades over state lines. Combined with Title 4-105, this means if you want to buy, you have to travel out of state in-person. Mind though that both laws only affect the seller and not the buyer.
2. Beware county and city laws! Some local jurisdictions DO make it illegal to carry them even openly.
References :
http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/statutes_respond_2011.asp?article=gcr§ion=4-105&Extension=HTML
http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/statutes_respond_2011.asp?article=gcr§ion=4-101&Extension=HTML