Brass Knuckles Illegal

The Legality of Brass Knuckles: A Complex Issue

Brass knuckles—also called knuckle dusters or knucks—are weapons worn on the fingers used to enhance the damage from a punch. But are they legal to own and carry? Well, it’s complicated.
Laws regarding brass knuckles vary widely across the U.S. and even within states. In some areas they are completely prohibited, while in others there are no restrictions. Let’s break it down.

Federal Law on Brass Knuckles

There are no federal laws in the U.S. banning the possession of brass knuckles. So at the national level, they are legal to own and use.
However, brass knuckles cannot be taken across state lines or exported internationally if they violate the laws of those places. And they are prohibited on aircraft and in other areas under federal jurisdiction.
So brass knuckles are fair game federally. But that doesn’t mean states take the same view…

State Laws on Brass Knuckles

Most states have their own laws regarding brass knuckles. And they run the gamut from totally illegal to completely unregulated.
Here’s a quick rundown of brass knuckle laws by state:

States Where Brass Knuckles Are Illegal

In these states, it’s illegal to own, sell, carry, or manufacture brass knuckles:
California
Florida
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Penalties vary, but can include fines up to $10,000 and multi-year prison sentences.

States Where Brass Knuckles Are Legal

Meanwhile, these states have no laws restricting brass knuckles:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
In these states, anyone over 18 can legally buy, sell, carry, and use brass knuckles recreationally without restriction.

States With Exceptions

Some states allow brass knuckles in certain situations but not in others:
Oregon: Bans carrying brass knuckles in public places, but allows possession on private property.
Wisconsin: Allows ownership of brass knuckles, but bans carrying them concealed. Open carry is legal.
So brass knuckle laws vary significantly state-by-state. Be sure to check your local regulations before buying or using them.

City and County Laws on Brass Knuckles

To make matters even more complicated, some cities and counties—even within states where brass knuckles are legal—have banned or restricted them locally.
For example, brass knuckles are prohibited in New York City, even though New York State allows them everywhere else.
And certain counties in Arizona, Mississippi, and New Mexico have local brass knuckle regulations, despite no statewide laws.
So in addition to state laws, be aware of any municipal or county ordinances that could impact the legality of brass knuckles where you live.

Using Brass Knuckles for Self Defense

While brass knuckles can be owned legally in many areas, using them against another person often constitutes an illegal assault with a deadly weapon.
Claiming self-defense may be plausible depending on the situation. But you’d need to prove you faced the risk of imminent bodily harm and that your actions were proportionate to the threat.
That’s a tough case to make when using an enhanced weapon like brass knuckles. Non-lethal options like pepper spray are often viewed as more reasonable for self defense.
And if you used brass knuckles while committing another crime, a self-defense justification likely won’t fly.
So proceed with extreme caution if planning to use brass knuckles for protection. The repercussions could be severe if deemed an unjustified assault.

Traveling With Brass Knuckles

Even if brass knuckles are legal where you live, taking them across state lines gets tricky. Because something that’s legal in one place may be banned in another.
For example, while Texas allows brass knuckles, taking them into California—which prohibits them—would be illegal.
And although brass knuckles are allowed on flights within Texas, the federal ban would prohibit taking them on an interstate flight.
So it’s best to avoid traveling with brass knuckles to steer clear of trouble. Leave them at home rather than risk unintentionally breaking another jurisdiction’s laws.

Ordering Brass Knuckles Online

When buying brass knuckles online, restrictions can also crop up. Some online retailers won’t ship to addresses in states where brass knuckles are banned.
And purchasing brass knuckles online then taking delivery in a state where they’re illegal could still result in prosecution.
So check both your local laws and the seller’s shipping policies carefully before ordering brass knuckles over the internet.

Bottom Line on Brass Knuckles

In the end, brass knuckle laws and regulations are complex, inconsistent, and constantly changing across the country. There are a lot of nuances to consider regarding exactly where, how, and why you possess them.
In states where they remain fully illegal, getting caught with brass knuckles—especially if used in a crime—can mean severe penalties.
But where lawful, they can be freely bought, sold, and collected without issue. Just avoid taking them where prohibited.
So know your jurisdiction’s regulations if owning brass knuckles so you stay on the right side of the law. And as with any weapon, use good judgment and caution if you decide to wield a set.