Arkansas Knife Laws

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What Are The Knife Laws In Arkansas?

Arkansas is a state in the Southern region of the United States. Arkansas has some specific knife laws that are different from other laws.

Arkansas knife law prohibits carrying a concealed knife, but allows open carry. There is no mention of any size limits for blade length or blade width. Arkansas also prohibits any person to possess a dirk, dagger, or stiletto with intent to use against another person unlawfully.

Any person over the age of 18 who goes armed with any knife concealed on or about his person shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. This includes knives that are in full view but considered to be concealed because either the handle or sheath is obscured from public view by clothing, an article of clothing, a purse, bag, backpack, briefcase, or other item carried by any individual.

Arkansas Knife Law Questions and Answers with the State’s Statutes to Back It Up

The Arkansas Knife Law is a state law that governs the legality of knives in the State of Arkansas. The law was enacted way back in 1881, making it one of the oldest laws on Arkansas knives.

Arkansas Code, Title 5, Chapter 3:

§ 5-3-301. Definitions.

(4) “Knife” means any cutting instrument that can be used to cut or stab another person by the use of a blade or points, whether such instrument is fixed or not; provided, however, that such term shall not include unopened pocketknives with blades three (3) inches in length or less; any knife designed primarily for use as a hunting knife; steak knives, designed to cut through beefsteak at a single swipe; scissors with blades four (4) inches in length or less.

§ 5-3-302

Arkansas Knife Law allows the use of knives in a variety of situations.

The Arkansas Knife law defines how long a blade can be. Arkansas does not have any size restrictions on blades, but it does limit blade length to 3 inches with the exception of hunting and fishing knives with blades longer than 3 inches that are carried openly in-hand or sheathed with the blade exposed.

What is Legal?

The Arkansas State Statute says it is legal for a person to carry a pocket knife with a blade length of 3 inches or less in their pocket or on their belt without being considered as breaking any law.

What is Illegal?

It is illegal for a person to carry a knife that has an automatic blade, which means that it opens automatically with the release of the button, pressure on the blade, or another device on the handle; and any folding knife where the blade will not stay open when manual pressure is released on the handle but instead closes due to gravity and bias.

Penalties for Breaking Arkansas Knife Laws – What You Need to Know Before Caught Red-Handed!

Arkansas Knife Laws are put in place to ensure everyone’s safety. There are many local and city ordinances that can differ from state laws, so make sure to check with your city and county before carrying a knife.

A person can be convicted of breaking an Arkansas knife law if they have been convicted of three felonies within three years of each other and they have been previously convicted for an offense involving a deadly weapon.

If you have been caught red-handed with a knife in Arkansas then you could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to three hundred dollars ($300).

Arkansas knife laws are a tricky issue. With a lack of clear legislation in the state, it is difficult to know when you are breaking the law when carrying a knife.

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