General Legality
- Pocket knives are generally legal to own and carry in Virginia, with few restrictions for most adults.
- The law defines a pocket knife as a folding knife with a blade that closes into the handle.
Blade Length Restrictions
- Blade length is a critical factor. For most public places, there is no strict statewide blade length limit for folding pocket knives, except in specific sensitive locations.
- On school grounds: Only folding pocket knives with blades less than three inches are permitted.
- Courthouses, airports, and places of worship:Â These locations also typically enforce the “less than three inches” rule for folding knives.
- General carry:Â Outside of these restricted areas, folding pocket knives can generally be carried openly or concealed as long as they are not classified as a prohibited knife type.
Types of Knives and Concealed Carry
- Prohibited knives for concealed carry:Â Virginia law restricts the concealed carry of certain knives, including dirks, bowie knives, switchblades, ballistic knives, machetes, razors, and similar weapon-like knives.
- Pocket knives (folding, under 3 inches):Â These are typically exempt from concealed carry prohibitions, except in restricted locations.
- Switchblades:Â As of July 2023, the ban on carrying switchblades (automatic knives) has been lifted, but restrictions remain for other knife types.
Open Carry
- Open carry of most knives, including pocket knives, is generally allowed statewide unless local ordinances state otherwise.
- Local laws:Â Some cities or counties may have additional restrictions, so always check local ordinances.
Special Considerations
- Minors:Â There may be additional restrictions for those under.
- Brandishing:Â Using a knife to threaten or intimidate is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- Transporting in vehicles:Â If you keep a knife in your car, it should be stored securely and not easily accessible, especially if it is a restricted type.
Penalties for Violations
- Misdemeanor charges:Â Violating knife laws (for example, carrying a prohibited knife concealed) can result in a Class 1 Misdemeanor, with penalties up to $2,500 in fines or jail time.
- Felony charges:Â Serious violations, such as carrying a weapon into a courthouse, can result in felony charges and more severe penalties.
Pocket Knife Laws in Virginia
| Scenario | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Open carry of folding pocket knife | Legal statewide |
| Concealed carry of folding pocket knife | Legal (if not a prohibited type) |
| Carry on school grounds | Legal if blade is less than 3 inches |
| Carry in courthouse, airport, worship | Legal if blade is less than 3 inches |
| Concealed carry of dirk, bowie, dagger | Illegal |
| Open carry of most knives | Legal, but check local ordinances |
| Brandishing or threatening with knife | Illegal |
Pocket knives are broadly legal in Virginia, especially folding knives with blades under three inches, but restrictions apply in schools, courthouses, airports, and places of worship. Concealed carry of certain weapon-like knives is prohibited. Always check local laws and specific location rules to ensure compliance.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/virginia/
[2] https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-s-the-maximum-legal-blade-length-for-folding–5774094.html
[3] https://sustainable-markets.org/post/virginia-pocket-knife-laws
[4] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/virgina-knife-laws/
[5] https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-virginia-a-detailed-guide-to-legal-carry/