Navigating Mississippi’s Knife Laws: What You Need to Know
Carrying any knife open is never an issue in Mississippi. But you can be convicted if you carry certain knives concealed.
So, it is crucial to understand every nook and cranny of the law statutes. But the cryptic laws are far from easy for the mass.
According to Section 97-37-1 of the Mississippi Code, carrying concealed a bowie knife, dirk knife, blackjack, butcher knife, switchblade knife, and metallic knuckles is illegal.
The above knives are illegal for minors to own and carry, open or concealed. Though carrying certain knives concealed in person is illegal, carrying them concealed in a vehicle might not be illegal all the time.
This shows how many hidden clauses are there in the law, hence the importance of understanding it without confusion.
We will break down all the necessary law statutes to give you a clear picture of Mississippi knife laws.
Let’s get started.
Highlights
Here are some quick facts about knife laws in Mississippi. Check them out if you are in a rush.
Statewide Preemption
There is statewide preemption regarding knife laws in Mississippi. So, whatever you see here will be applicable in all cities.
Concealed Carry
Bowie knives, dirk knives, butcher knives, metallic knuckles, blackjack, and switchblade knives are illegal to carry concealed. All other knives can be carried openly or concealed.
Schools
Carrying any of the above-mentioned knives, razors, razor blades, or any sharp-pointed objects other than tools will be counted as a misdemeanor.
Critical Dimensions
There is no certain statement regarding the legal knife length in Mississippi. As long as the knife is legal to carry, blade length doesn’t matter.
Punishments
For the first conviction, the punishment can be imprisonment of up to six months or a fine between $100 and $500 or both.
List Of Illegal Knives In Mississippi
Let us make one thing very clear. Carrying knives open isn’t illegal according to state laws, no matter the type and size of the knife. But the following knives are illegal to carry concealed.
Check the list-
- Bowie knife
- Dirk knife
- Butcher knife
- Switchblade knife
- Metallic knuckles
- Blackjack
Any other knife doesn’t have any restriction on owning or carrying. But the legality and illegality of knives can change depending on several factors.
Before heading out with a knife, check those factors below.
A. Illegality In Certain Areas
According to Section 97-37-17, carrying the above-mentioned knives on an educational property is illegal, no matter open or concealed carry.
Encouraging or helping any minor to do so is also illegal.
But carrying such a weapon for ceremonial purposes or sports approved by the institution will be legal.
B. Illegality In Local Governments
Carrying illegal knives in local government areas unless someone is authorized to do so will be punishable.
But carrying a concealed knife in a vehicle located outside the boundaries of government offices will not be a crime.
C. Illegality Based On Concealed And Open Knives
As we have already mentioned, all knives are legal to carry open unless the person is minor or intoxicated.
Only the knives listed as illegal can’t be carried concealed.
D. Illegality Of Carrying, Possession, Selling, Manufacturing, Importing, Trading
A person can possess, manufacture, sell, or import any knife according to the law.
But selling or transferring possession of the illegal knives listed above to a minor or an intoxicated person is illegal according to Section 97-37-13.
E. Illegality To The Degree Of Significance Such As The Impact On Interstate Commerce
If you use or attempt to use a knife to impact interstate commerce, you will be convicted of a felony under Section 97-37-1.
Penalties And Punishments For Carrying Illegal Knives
Different penalties and punishments are stated in different sections of the knife law. Here is the breakdown of general punishments under Section 97-37-1.
If a person is convicted for concealed carrying of illegal knives, he or she will be punished by imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of $100-$500 or both.
For subsequent convictions, the person may face confinement for up to ten years.
For violating Section 97-37-17, a person can be fined up to $5000 or confined under the State Department of Corrections for up to three years.
Allowing or helping minors to carry an illegal knife will be punished by imprisonment for up to six months or a fine up to $1000 or both.
List Of Legal Knives In Mississippi
As long as you carry a knife open, it is legal in Mississippi. Unless the knife is designed as a weapon and banned by the law, you can carry it in any fashion you see fit.
Here is the list of legal knives
- Utility knife
- Balisong knife
- Daggers
- Stilettos
- Throwing knives
- Gravity Knives
- Automatic knives
If you carry a knife in car in Mississippi, it may not be illegal, whether open or concealed. But carrying on the person can be illegal.
Knife Length Limit In Mississippi
Many of you may ask, what size knife is legal to carry in Mississippi? Fortunately, there is no length limit on knives in the state.
If you are older than 18 years and not intoxicated, you can carry any knife except the illegal ones, open or concealed.
As there is statewide preemption in Mississippi, the regulations will be the same in all cities.
Certain knives are illegal to carry concealed, and the knife length will not be considered in the case of such a case.
Conclusion
It is the right of everyone to have a clear understanding of the law, especially Mississippi knife laws.
Anyone violating the law may face severe punishments or fines depending on the degree of the crime.
To avoid such punishments, knowing the legality of knives is crucial.
We tried to explain all knife laws in this article so that you understand them without any confusion.
References to the statutes are also included to cross-check the laws so that there is no misunderstanding about whatever is stated here.
Our plea to all is to learn which knife is legal or illegal to own or carry and act accordingly to be a law-abiding citizen of Mississippi.
