Indiana’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are crucial exceptions and nuances that every resident or visitor should understand—especially when it comes to pocket knives.
General Legality of Pocket Knives
- Open and Concealed Carry: Indiana law allows individuals to carry pocket knives both openly and concealed. There are no statewide restrictions on how a knife must be carried, nor are there concealment requirements specific to pocket knives.
- Blade Length: There are no state-level restrictions on blade length for pocket knives or any other type of knife. This means you can legally carry a pocket knife of any size in most public places.
Prohibited Knives and Exceptions
- Ballistic Knives: Knives that can shoot or propel their blades (ballistic knives) are strictly prohibited. Manufacturing, selling, possessing, or giving away such knives is a Class B misdemeanor.
- Chinese Throwing Stars: Also known as shuriken, these are illegal to manufacture, sell, possess, or transfer in Indiana. This is a Class C misdemeanor.
- Intent to Use as a Weapon: Carrying any knife, including a pocket knife, with the intent to use it as a weapon in a violent, aggressive, or threatening manner is illegal and can be prosecuted as a felony.
Location-Based Restrictions
- Schools and School Buses: It is illegal to possess any knife, including a pocket knife, on school property, school buses, or special purpose buses. Violations start as a Class B misdemeanor, with increased penalties for repeat offenses or if bodily injury occurs.
- Exceptions: Knives may be permitted if authorized by the school or if secured in a vehicle.
- Airports, Courthouses, and Government Buildings: Knives are generally prohibited in these locations, regardless of type or blade length.
- Local Ordinances: Indiana does not have statewide preemption for knife laws. Some cities and counties may have stricter regulations, such as blade length limits or bans in public parks. For example, Merrillville restricts pocket knives with blades longer than two inches.
Age and Other Restrictions
- Age Restrictions: There are no explicit statewide age restrictions for carrying pocket knives, but local ordinances may vary.
- Supplying Knives: It is illegal to supply a deadly weapon, including a knife, to an intoxicated person or someone habitually intoxicated.
Penalties for Violations
- Ballistic Knives: Up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine (Class B misdemeanor).
- Chinese Throwing Stars: Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine (Class C misdemeanor).
- Knives on School Property: Starts as a Class B misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses or injuries.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Indiana
| Aspect | State Law Position |
|---|---|
| Open/Concealed Carry | Legal, no restrictions |
| Blade Length | No state limit |
| Ballistic Knives | Illegal |
| Chinese Throwing Stars | Illegal |
| Schools/Gov. Buildings | Knives banned (with narrow exceptions) |
| Local Ordinances | May be stricter than state law |
| Intent to Use as Weapon | Illegal, felony if used aggressively |
Indiana law permits the open or concealed carry of pocket knives without blade length restrictions, making it one of the more knife-friendly states. However, carrying knives in schools, government buildings, or certain municipalities can lead to criminal charges.
Ballistic knives and Chinese throwing stars are strictly prohibited statewide. Always check local ordinances before carrying a pocket knife in a new city or county, and never carry a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully.
Sources
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-indiana-understanding-your-rights-and-limits/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-47/chapter-5/section-35-47-5-2-5/
- https://www.changeitindiana.org/what-is-indiana-state-law-on-knives
- https://www.delewislaw.com/blog/indiana-laws-regarding-knives-and-blades/
- https://edc.ninja/indiana-knife-laws/