5. Before Carrying A Knife In New York
Knife regulations in New York can be confusing and, at times, appear contradictory, even for owners without involvement in illegal behavior; any firearm could become “dangerous,” leading to a criminal conviction. Considering NY Penal Code 265 (Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons), court rulings and pertinent sections from N.Y. Penal Code 265 illustrate this problem of “dangerous knives.” Below you will find basic facts about New York Knife Laws regarding what is permitted and prohibited when carrying knives in New York.
Criminal Possession Of Weapon: An individual is only guilty of fourth-degree unlawful possession if:
(1) They possess firearms, an electronic dart gun, an electronic stun gun, gravity knives, switchblade knives, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane swords, as well as billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, plastic and metal knuckles, Chuka sticks and wrist-brace type slingshots.
(2) Possess any dagger, knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, or other dangerous or lethal device or weapon intended for illegal use against another individual or group.
Prohibited Knives:
New York State has lifted restrictions on gravity knives as of May 30, 2019, so owning one is no longer illegal; however, possessing pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckles, or switchblades remains a criminal offense.
Although New York does not regulate concealed weapon carry, several city policies require visibility of weapons owned legally and not intended to be used illegally against others. Any knife legally owned and not designed to use as a weapon against another may be open or concealed carried without risking arrest and charges of a felony offense.
Prohibited Locations:
Knives do not appear specifically in New York State Code sections 265.01-A and 265.06 about weaponry inside educational institutions such as 265.01-A and 265.06. It is nonetheless imperative for all institutions in New York State to adopt weapons-related rules about knives for students, teachers, visitors, and visitors of their institution. Knives are prohibited on campus as well as on buses. In addition, courtrooms, penal facilities, and some airports impose knife/weapon restrictions/prohibitions against students/teachers/visitors alike.
According to a code clause, in metropolitan regions where individuals utilize mass transit, there exists a knife restriction; weapons or hazardous tools are not permitted on any NYC Transit Authority vehicle or facility, including weapons such as switchblades, boxcutters, straight razor/razor blades/gravity knives/and swords.
Non-Citizen Laws:
Under U.S. federal law, non-U.S. citizens cannot possess weapons listed in SS 265.02 even when present within states that permit their presence – however, on June 17, 2019, New York passed legislation to allow illegal aliens living within its boundaries to apply for New York driver licenses – though knives remain more problematic due to illegal immigration than being banned altogether from public spaces in New York State.
Previous Convictions:
Anyone violating Section 265.01 (Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree) who has previously been convicted of any crime will be charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Note that your previous conviction does not need to involve violence; arrest may occur simply from possessing a secure slip-joint pocket knife in compelling circumstances.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon in New York: An Issue Privileged By Differing Knife Regulations
Owning specific knives could lead to unexpected legal ramifications even without engaging in illegal activities, as New York Penal Code 265 (Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons) outlined. Comprehending its relevant sections and applicable court rulings is crucial in understanding the scope of “dangerous knife” issues within New York.
Fourth-Grade Criminal Possession of a Weapon
In New York, someone can be charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon if they possess gravity, switchblade, metal knuckle knives, and more. Furthermore, having any dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, or razor with intent to use unlawfully against another can also result in criminal charges. Therefore it is vitally important for individuals in New York State to understand which knives are permissible for ownership and carry without incurring legal issues.
Changes in Knife Regulations
New York has recently seen some modifications to its knife regulations, with gravity knives no longer considered illegal as of May 30, 2019, while possessing pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckles, or switchblades remains unlawful. This indicates that New York’s state legislature is frequently revising and updating its laws regarding knives; thus, holders of knives must stay abreast of current developments.
Concealed Carry Policies
Although New York does not regulate concealed carry weapons directly, specific city policies require knives to be displayed visibly when carried openly or concealed for self-defense purposes. As long as no intention exists to use illegal knives against others, such carrying is generally permissible regardless of their size and style.
