Brass Knuckles Legality by State [Updated May 2023]

Are brass knuckles legal? Brass knuckles are pieces of metal shaped to fit around the knuckles and are weapons used in hand-to-hand combat. They are designed so that the user’s punch has a more concentrated force with a smaller and harder contact point. Brass knuckles are typically treated like other weapons such as knives and firearms in other countries.

Brass knuckles are illegal in many countries, including Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Some countries have specific regulations on brass knuckles. For example, in Serbia, brass knuckles are legal to purchase for people over 16 years old but cannot be carried in public. In the United States, there are no federal laws regulating brass knuckles; however, there are various states, county, and city laws that prohibit their sale or possession. Brass knuckles can typically be purchased at markets or from companies that make belt buckles and other metal goods (where legal).

Brass Knuckle Laws by State

Alabama

Brass knuckles are not illegal in Alabama. Carrying brass knuckles in a concealed manner is Illegal in Alabama. You must obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Failing to adhere to this law can result in a misdemeanor.

Alaska

In Alaska, according to Sec. 11.61.210: “A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree if the person… manufactures, possesses, transports, sells, or transfers metal knuckles.”

Arizona

In Arizona, individuals over 21 can legally carry a concealed firearm or deadly weapon without a permit. Brass knuckles are typically considered to be a deadly weapon. The use of brass knuckles can still result in a felony charge.

Arkansas

Brass knuckles are illegal in Arkansas. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were.

California

California imposes a strict ban on all kinds of brass knuckles, whether they are metal or plastic. This includes selling, buying, using, carrying, repairing, lending, and manufacturing. Breaking this law lands an individual in either California State Prison or Jail.

Colorado

Brass knuckles are illegal in Colorado. This includes brass knuckles that are used as jewelry, accessories, or anything else exhibiting them. Failing to adhere to this law can land an individual a $1,000 fine and one year of imprisonment.

Connecticut

Brass knuckles are not illegal in Connecticut; however, it is illegal to carry them concealed. One will need to have either a license or a permit to do so. Failing to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor.

Delaware

In Delaware, it is illegal to carry brass knuckles without a concealed carry permit. First-time violations of this law lead to felony charges.

District of Columbia

Brass knuckles are illegal in the District of Columbia. This includes brass knuckles that are used as jewelry, accessories, or anything else exhibiting them. Among some other weapons, Brass knuckles may be possessed by on-duty military personnel, sheriffs, prison wardens, police officers, and some other select professions.

Florida

Brass knuckles are not illegal in Florida, but you must have a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon if you wish to carry them hidden or concealed. Failing to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and three years in prison.

Georgia

In Georgia, brass knuckles are legal to own and carry. Using the brass knuckles to injure another person is a criminal act and one cannot carry brass knuckles in schools or hospitals.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, Brass knuckles are legal to sell and possess but cannot be carried or stored in one’s vehicle. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor.

Idaho

The law in Idaho does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. However, brass knuckles can be considered a dangerous weapon; therefore, it is up to the courts to determine this and how the knuckles were used, and if the owner had criminal intent.

Illinois

Brass knuckles of any type and material are prohibited in Illinois. This includes anything shaped like a brass knuckle, including jewelry, bags, pendants, or necklaces. Carrying or owning brass knuckles is illegal in Illinois, and using brass knuckles to injure is a felony charge.

Indiana

In Indiana, brass knuckles are legal to own and carry. Brass knuckles are not specifically labeled as a dangerous weapon under Indiana law; however, it is illegal to use them in an act of violence.

Iowa

The law in Iowa does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. However, brass knuckles can be considered a dangerous weapon; therefore, it is up to the courts to determine this and how the knuckles were used, and if the owner had criminal intent.

Kansas

Brass knuckles are strictly prohibited in Kansas. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were.

Kentucky

As of 2019, a permit is no longer required to carry concealed weapons in Kentucky, this includes brass knuckles. You must be the legal age of 21 or older.

Louisiana

Louisiana allows the carrying of concealed weapons, such as brass knuckles, as long as the individual has a legal permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Maine

Brass knuckles are illegal in the state of Maine.

Maryland

In Maryland, brass knuckles are not illegal in Maryland; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor and lead to a fine of up to $1000 and up to three years of imprisonment.

Massachusetts

Brass knuckles are illegal in Massachusetts. This includes possession, sale, and manufacture of brass knuckles. Failure to adhere to this law will lead to a fine between $50 and $1000 or up to six months of imprisonment.

Michigan

Brass knuckles of any type and material are prohibited in Michigan. This includes anything shaped like a brass knuckle, including jewelry, bags, pendants, or necklaces. Manufacture, sale, or possession of brass knuckles are felony charges that lead to a fine of up to $2500 and imprisonment of up to five years.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, brass knuckles are strictly prohibited. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were.

Mississippi

Brass knuckles are not illegal in Mississippi; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed, whole or in part. The first offense is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 and/or up to six months of jail.

Missouri

Brass knuckles were prohibited in Missouri until 2022. An act was passed on August 28th, 2022 that repeals the prohibition and act of selling and posessing brass knuckles. This act also repeals prior prohibitions set for firearm silencers and switchblade knives.

Montana

The law in Montana does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. However, brass knuckles can be considered a dangerous weapon; therefore, it is up to the courts to determine this and how the knuckles were used, and if the owner had criminal intent.

Nebraska

Brass knuckles are legal to own in Nebraska; however, they are illegal to carry concealed unless the individual has a license or permit to do so. Certain places, such as churches, schools, and bars, prohibit concealed weapons even with a permit. Business owners have the right to prohibit weapons inside their business regardless of whether an individual has a permit or not. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor.

Nevada

Brass knuckles are illegal in Nevada. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Failure to adhere to this law results in a misdemeanor leading to fines of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in prison.

New Hampshire

It is illegal to sell and carry brass knuckles in New Hampshire. Failure to adhere to this law results in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in prison. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in New Jersey. However, one may possess brass knuckles for lawful purposes such as for theater productions, personal collections, or other educational or entertainment purposes. Failure to adhere to this law, even if carrying in case of self-defense, will result in a felony with up to $10,000 in fines and up to 18 months in jail. If one is caught with brass knuckles with unlawful intent, the punishment increases to a fine of $15,000 and three to five years in prison.

Brass knuckles are not illegal in New Mexico; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor and lead to a fine of up to $1000 and up to three years of imprisonment. Brass knuckles are illegal in New York. This includes both metal and plastic knuckles. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor and up to one year of imprisonment. In North Carolina, brass knuckles are not illegal; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed unless you have a license or permit to carry concealed weapons. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor and lead to a fine of up to $1000 and up to three years of imprisonment. Brass knuckles are not illegal in North Dakota; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed on one’s person or in one’s car without a permit. Even with a permit, concealed weapons are prohibited in certain places, such as liquor stores or public gatherings. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge.

Ohio

Ohio’s law state that the use and possession of a deadly weapon are illegal, but brass knuckles are not specifically mentioned. Brass knuckles, however, can be considered a deadly weapon, so one should use caution. Carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed carry permit is illegal and can result in fines and imprisonment.

Oklahoma

Unless in accordance with the Oklahoma Self Defense Act, it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon, including brass knuckles. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge.

Oregon

Brass knuckles are not illegal in Oregon; however, it is illegal to carry them hidden or concealed. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor and lead to a fine of up to $1000 and up to three years of imprisonment.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, brass knuckles are illegal. This includes selling, possessing, carrying, purchasing, manufacturing, repairing, and transporting brass knuckles, whether they are made from metal or plastic. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to five years in prison.

Rhode Island

Brass knuckles are illegal to possess and carry in Rhode Island. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to one year of incarceration.

South Carolina

Brass knuckles are legal in South Carolina, and one does not need a concealed carry permit. Brass knuckles are not allowed in schools or hospitals. It is illegal to possess brass knuckles if they are used with the intent to commit a crime.

South Dakota

Brass knuckles are also legal in South Dakota. One may carry brass knuckles in a concealed manner unless they are being concealed with the intent to harm. Doing so will result in being charged with a felony.

Tennessee

Brass knuckles are strictly prohibited in Tennessee. This includes selling, brandishing, exhibiting, repairing, manufacturing, and possessing brass knuckles. Charges can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the scenario in which the law was broken and how severe the consequences were.

Texas

As of September 1st, 2019, it is legal in Texas to possess and brass knuckles for self-defense purposes. Previously, carrying or possession was a misdemeanor punishable up to $4,000 in fines or up to one year in jail.

Utah

Utah law does not specifically state whether brass knuckles are legal or not. However, brass knuckles can be considered a dangerous weapon; therefore, it is up to the courts to determine this and how the knuckles were used, and if the owner had criminal intent.

Vermont

Brass knuckles are illegal to possess, use, or sell in Vermont. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to five years of imprisonment.

Virginia

It is illegal to carry brass knuckles in Virginia without a concealed weapon permit. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in prison. Second-time offenders will face a felony charge.