Maine’s knife laws are relatively lenient compared to many other states, but there are still important regulations to understand regarding the ownership, carry, and use of pocket knives. Here’s an overview of the legal landscape for pocket knives in Maine:
Ownership and Possession
In Maine, it is legal to own and possess any type of knife, including pocket knives. There are no statewide restrictions on the types of knives that can be owned, and no critical dimensions (such as blade length) are specified in the law.
Open Carry
Open carry of all types of knives, including pocket knives, is legal in Maine. This means you can visibly carry your pocket knife on your person without legal repercussions.
Concealed Carry
The concealed carry of pocket knives in Maine is subject to some restrictions:
- It is illegal to conceal carry “dangerous knives” which include Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and other knives “usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person”.
- Knives used for hunting, fishing, or trapping are exempt from concealed carry restrictions.
- Pocket knives that are not designed for or usually employed in attacking or defending a person can be carried concealed.
Restricted Locations
While Maine law is generally permissive, there are some locations where carrying knives is restricted:
- Court facilities, including buildings under the control of the Maine Judicial Branch.
- Schools, where knives are typically prohibited under various school district rules.
Local Ordinances
Maine does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning that local jurisdictions can enact their own, potentially more restrictive, knife ordinances. Major cities with knife ordinances include Augusta, Bangor, and Lewiston.
Recent Changes
It’s worth noting that Maine’s knife laws have become more permissive in recent years. The prohibition on automatic knives was repealed effective October 15, 2015, making them legal to own and carry.
Penalties
Violating Maine’s knife laws, such as illegally carrying a concealed “dangerous knife,” is classified as a Class D crime. This can result in up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Comparison to Firearm Laws
Interestingly, Maine’s knife laws are in some ways more restrictive than its firearm laws. Maine is a constitutional carry state for firearms, allowing concealed carry of guns without a permit for those 21 and older (or 18-20 with military qualifications). However, certain knives cannot be carried concealed without violating the law.
In conclusion, while Maine’s knife laws are generally permissive, it’s crucial to understand the nuances, particularly regarding concealed carry and local ordinances. Always exercise caution and common sense when carrying and using pocket knives, and be aware that laws can change over time.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/maine-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/me-gun-laws/
[3] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/maine/
[4] http://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits/concealed-carry-maine
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/maine-knife-laws/
