Arizona has some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., emphasizing individual rights while maintaining specific restrictions to ensure public safety. Here’s a detailed breakdown of key regulations and considerations:
General Permissiveness
Arizona imposes no statewide restrictions on blade length, knife type, or carry method (open/concealed) for individuals over 21. This includes:
- Pocketknives (any blade length)
- Fixed-blade knives, swords, and utility knives
- Automatic knives (OTF/switchblades) and gravity knives
- Exotic blades like karambits or balisongs
No license or registration is required to purchase, own, or carry knives.
Key Definitions
- Knife: Considered a “tool” unless used with criminal intent, at which point it may be classified as a deadly weapon.
- Deadly Weapon: Defined as any object designed for lethal use. Intent and context determine this classification (e.g., threatening someone vs. cutting rope).
Age Restrictions
- Under 21: May carry pocketknives (blades ≤4 inches) concealed or openly. Other knives must be openly carried.
- No Minimum Purchase Age: State law doesn’t restrict sales, though retailers often require buyers to be 18+.
Prohibited Possessors
The following individuals cannot legally carry knives:
- Convicted felons (for knives classified as deadly weapons)
- Those deemed a danger to themselves/others
- Individuals on probation or in correctional facilities
Location Restrictions
Knives are banned in:
- Schools and school events
- Government buildings (courthouses, polling places)
- Airport secure areas
- Nuclear/hydroelectric facilities
- Private properties with posted prohibitions
Interactions with Law Enforcement
- Disclosure Requirement: Must inform officers if carrying a knife (excluding pocketknives) during stops.
- Penalties for Noncompliance: Failure to disclose or lying can result in misdemeanor charges (up to 6 months jail, $2,500 fines).
Criminal Use & Penalties
- Misdemeanor: Carrying in prohibited locations or violating age-based restrictions.
- Felony: Using a knife in violent crimes, gang activity, or terrorism. Penalties escalate significantly, including prison time.
Preemption Law
Arizona’s 2011 statewide preemption (ARS 13-3120) invalidates conflicting local ordinances, ensuring uniform knife laws across all cities. This eliminates confusion from prior municipal variations.
Special Cases
- Felons: May carry non-deadly knives (e.g., small pocketknives) if not used criminally.
- Law Enforcement/Military: Exempt from location restrictions while on duty.
- Vehicles: Knives may be stored openly or concealed without distinction.
By understanding these guidelines, Arizona residents and visitors can confidently exercise their knife rights while avoiding legal pitfalls. Always prioritize situational awareness, as intent and context heavily influence how courts interpret knife-related incidents.
Sources
- https://www.belenlawfirm.com/blog/criminal-defense-attorney/arizona-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/arizona/
- https://bestlawyer.guide/az-knife-laws/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/arizona-knife-laws/
- https://www.rideoutlaw.com/carry-a-knife-in-arizona/