In a landmark shift, Massachusetts’ knife laws have been significantly updated following a 2024 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that struck down the longstanding switchblade ban. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding current knife rights in the state:
Key Legal Changes
- Switchblades and Automatic Knives:
- The court ruled in Commonwealth v. Canjura that Massachusetts’ ban on switchblades violated the Second Amendment under the Bruen framework, which requires historical precedent for firearm/weapon restrictions. No such precedent existed for switchblades.
- Result: Automatic knives (OTFs, switchblades) with blades over 1.5 inches are now legal to own and carry statewide, provided they are not used unlawfully.
- Assisted-Opening Knives:
- Still legal: Knives opened via flippers, thumb studs, or other manual mechanisms remain permissible under state law.
- Prohibited Knives:
- Ballistic knives, double-edged daggers, and stilettos remain illegal under Massachusetts General Law.
Critical Considerations
- Local Ordinances:
- Cities like Boston enforce stricter rules, including a 2.5-inch blade limit for all knives, regardless of type.
- Check municipal codes for terms like “scavenging” or “dangerous weapons” before carrying in urban areas.
- Restricted Locations:Prohibited AreasDetailsSchools, government buildingsAll knives banned unless explicitly authorized.Public transit (e.g., MBTA)Local rules may override state law.
- Concealed vs. Open Carry:
- Concealed carry of knives classified as “dangerous weapons” (e.g., dirks) remains illegal. However, post-Canjura, automatic knives are no longer automatically deemed dangerous weapons unless used unlawfully.
Enforcement and Practical Advice
- Police Discretion:
- Officers may still question or confiscate knives if local ordinances are violated (e.g., blade length in Boston).
- Document interactions and know your rights if challenged.
- Safety and Ethics:
- Avoid carrying knives in prohibited areas (e.g., schools).
- Clean up after dumpster diving (if applicable) to prevent bins from being locked.
- Purchasing:
- Retailers like BladeHQ now ship automatic knives to Massachusetts, but verify local rules before ordering.
Penalties
- Violating Local Ordinances: Fines up to $500 or misdemeanor charges.
- Unlawful Use: Automatic knives used in crimes escalate charges (e.g., assault with a deadly weapon).
Massachusetts’ knife laws now align with broader Second Amendment protections, allowing residents to legally own and carry automatic knives. However, local blade-length restrictions (e.g., Boston’s 2.5-inch limit) and prohibited locations still apply. Always verify municipal codes and prioritize visibility to avoid conflicts with law enforcement.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2r4P45Vs8
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/massachusetts/
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-guns-and-other-weapons
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation
- https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/knife-laws-chopping-block
