Are Brass Knuckles Illegal - A Complete State-by-State Guide

Thinking about carrying brass knuckles for self-defense or collecting them? Be careful—depending on where you live, that could be illegal. Some states allow them, others have strict rules, and many have banned them completely.

So, are brass knuckles illegal? It depends on your state. As of 2024, over 20 U.S. states have laws that ban or heavily restrict the possession of brass knuckles. A recent report also found that more than 60% of people caught with them didn’t realize they were breaking the law.

That’s why it’s important to check your local rules before buying, carrying, or using brass knuckles.

This complete guide gives you a state-by-state breakdown to help you stay informed and avoid unintentional legal violations.

What Are Brass Knuckles?

Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters or knucks, are metal or hard composite devices designed to fit over the knuckles. They’re intended to reinforce a punch by concentrating force on a smaller area, essentially turning your fist into a heavier, harder weapon.

Though often depicted in movies, brass knuckles are real and can be dangerous. That’s why many states have strict laws controlling their sale, possession, and use.

Why Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Many States?

Brass knuckles are banned in many jurisdictions because:

• They are classified as concealed or dangerous weapons.
• They can cause serious bodily harm or permanent injury.
• They are often associated with violent crimes or street fighting.

Some states have a zero-tolerance policy, while others permit possession under specific conditions, such as home use or with a permit.

Are Brass Knuckles Illegal Under Federal Law?

There is no outright federal ban on brass knuckles in the U.S., but they’re still restricted in several important ways:

• TSA Regulations: You cannot carry brass knuckles in your carry-on luggage on flights. If found during security checks, they will be confiscated.
• Federal Property: Possessing them on federal land (like courthouses, military bases, or post offices) is typically prohibited.
• Import Laws: U.S. Customs can seize imported brass knuckles, especially if they’re disguised as keychains or belt buckles.

In short, federal law doesn’t outright ban them, but state law and local ordinances take priority in everyday life.

State-by-State Brass Knuckle Laws 

Brass knuckle laws are different in every U.S. state. Some states allow them, while others ban or limit them, and many people get in trouble just for not knowing the rules.

1. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Alabama?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Possession is a misdemeanor that can lead to up to 1 year in jail and/or fines.
Statute: Alabama Code § 13A-11-50

Brass knuckles are considered a prohibited weapon in Alabama, and even possessing them can result in criminal charges.

2. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Alaska?

Status: Legal
Note: Alaska allows both ownership and concealed carry of brass knuckles without a permit.
Caution: They remain illegal in federal buildings and airports.

3. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Arizona?

Status: Legal
Note: Arizona permits the ownership and public carry of brass knuckles, and no special permit is required.

4. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Arkansas?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal to own, but using them with criminal intent is illegal.
Penalty: Carrying with intent to use unlawfully is a Class A misdemeanor.

5. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in California?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony charges under Penal Code § 21810.
Note: Both metal and plastic versions are banned, and possession, sale, or manufacturing can lead to prosecution.

6. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Colorado?

Status: Legal
Note: Colorado law does not restrict the ownership or carrying of brass knuckles, but using them to commit a crime will lead to severe penalties.

7. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Connecticut?

Status: Restricted
Note: You may possess them in your home, but public carry is prohibited, and carrying can result in a weapons charge.

8. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Delaware?

Status: Restricted
Note: Brass knuckles are treated as deadly weapons, and carrying them without justification is a criminal offense.
Penalty: Up to 3 years in prison.

9. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Florida?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal to own, but concealed carry requires a valid permit. Without it, you could face a misdemeanor charge.

10. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Georgia?

Status: Restricted
Note: While you can own brass knuckles, you must have a weapons carry license to carry them in public.

11. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Hawaii?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Possession is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Statute: HRS § 134-51

12. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Idaho?

Status: Legal
Idaho imposes no specific restrictions on the possession or carry of brass knuckles.

13. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Illinois?

Status: Illegal
Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1
Penalty: Classified as a dangerous weapon; possession is a Class A misdemeanor.

14. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Indiana?

Status: Legal with permit
Note: You must be licensed under Indiana’s handgun carry laws to carry them legally.

15. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Iowa?

Status: Legal
Note: There are no specific laws prohibiting the possession or use of brass knuckles in Iowa.

16. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Kansas?

Status: Legal
Note: Kansas allows brass knuckles to be owned and carried without any permits.

17. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Kentucky?

Status: Restricted
Note: Brass knuckles can be kept for self-defense purposes, but they are prohibited in schools and government buildings.

18. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Louisiana?

Status: Restricted
Note: Considered a concealed weapon; may require a permit to carry legally.

19. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Maine?

Status: Restricted
Note: You can own them, but carrying them concealed without a permit is illegal.

20. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Maryland?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Misdemeanor under MD Criminal Code § 4-101; possession may lead to criminal charges.

21. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Massachusetts?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Possession of brass knuckles is a felony.

22. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Michigan?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal to carry if you have a concealed weapons permit.

23. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Minnesota?

Status: Restricted
Note: Possession is not specifically banned, but using them to harm or threaten is illegal.

24. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Mississippi?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal with a concealed carry permit; otherwise considered a weapon.

25. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Missouri?

Status: Legal
Note: Missouri does not regulate the use of brass knuckles for personal possession or carry.

26. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Montana?

Status: Legal
Note: There are no restrictions on brass knuckles in Montana.

27. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Nebraska?

Status: Restricted
Note: Covered under concealed weapon laws; unlawful without permit.

28. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Nevada?

Status: Restricted
Note: Illegal to carry with intent to use unlawfully; considered a dangerous weapon.

29. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in New Hampshire?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal to own but not to use as a weapon offensively.

30. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in New Jersey?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Possession is a felony under NJ Statutes § 2C:39-3.

31. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in New Mexico?

Status: Legal
New Mexico does not restrict the possession or carrying of brass knuckles.

32. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in New York?

Status: Illegal
Penalty: Criminal possession under NY Penal Law § 265.01; considered a dangerous weapon.

33. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in North Carolina?

Status: Restricted
Note: Legal to possess at home; concealed public carry requires a permit.

34. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in North Dakota?

Status: Legal
No laws restrict brass knuckles in North Dakota.

35. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Ohio?

Status: Restricted
Note: Treated as a dangerous weapon; legality depends on the context of possession or use.

36. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Oklahoma?

Status: Legal
Oklahoma imposes no specific bans on brass knuckles.

37. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Oregon?

Status: Restricted
Note: Laws vary by city; it is generally legal to own but not to carry in public spaces.

38. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Pennsylvania?

Status: Restricted
Note: Treated as an offensive weapon under 18 Pa.C.S. § 908.

39. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Rhode Island?

Status: Restricted
Note: Minors are prohibited from

40. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in South Carolina?

Status: Legal
Note: No state law prohibits the possession or carrying of brass knuckles.

41. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in South Dakota?

Status: Legal
Note: Brass knuckles are not regulated in South Dakota.

42. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Tennessee?

Status: Legal
Tennessee permits the legal possession and carry of brass knuckles.

43. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Texas?

Status: Legal
Note: Legalized in 2019 under HB 446.

44. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Utah?

Status: Legal
Note: Utah does not restrict brass knuckles.

45. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Vermont?

Status: Restricted
Note: May be considered a dangerous weapon if used or concealed.

46. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Virginia?

Status: Restricted
Note: It may be illegal under concealed weapon laws, which vary by jurisdiction.

47. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Washington?

Status: Restricted
Note: Some cities treat them as banned weapons; ownership may be legal, but public carry is risky.

48. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in West Virginia?

Status: Restricted
Note: It is not explicitly banned, but could fall under concealed weapon laws.

49. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Wisconsin?

Status: Restricted
Note: Although not listed by name, it may fall under the general dangerous weapons law.

50. Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Wyoming?

Status: Legal
Note: No state laws prohibit the possession or use of brass knuckles.

Places Where Brass Knuckles Are Always Banned

Even if your state allows brass knuckles, there are certain places where they are always banned:

• Airports: The TSA prohibits the possession of brass knuckles in carry-on luggage and secure areas.
  
• Federal Buildings: These include post offices, courthouses, and military bases where weapons are strictly prohibited.
• Schools and Colleges: Brass knuckles are banned on most school and university campuses.
• Stadiums, Concerts, and Theme Parks: These private venues often have strict no-weapons policies that include brass knuckles.
• Government Offices: State and local government buildings may have specific rules that ban all weapons, including brass knuckles.

Important: Always check local rules before entering public or private spaces, even if it is legal to own brass knuckles in your state.

Penalties for Possessing Illegal Brass Knuckles

If you’re caught with brass knuckles in a state where they’re banned, you could face serious trouble. Here’s what might happen:

• Misdemeanor Charges: Fines up to $1,000 and/or jail time up to one year.
• Felony Charges: Higher fines and longer imprisonment, especially if used in the commission of a crime.
• Confiscation: Law enforcement may confiscate the weapon upon discovery.

Alternatives to Brass Knuckles for Self-Defense

For those seeking legal self-defense options, consider the following:

Always verify the laws in your jurisdiction before conducting business.

Tips Before Buying or Carrying Brass Knuckles

Before you buy or carry brass knuckles, keep these important tips in mind:

• Know your Local Laws: Always check the laws in your state and city. What’s legal in one place may be banned in another.
  
• Don’t Assume Online Sales mean they’re Legal: Just because you can buy brass knuckles online doesn’t mean it’s legal to own or carry them where you live.
  
• Check for Restrictions in Public Places: Even in states where they are legal, brass knuckles are usually banned in schools, airports, and government buildings.
  
• Avoid carrying them while travelling: Travelling across state lines with brass knuckles can get you into trouble if you enter a state where they’re banned.
• Consider Legal Alternatives: Safer self-defense tools, such as pepper spray, personal alarms, or tactical pens, are legal in more places and carry fewer risks.
  
• Ask a Legal Expert if you’re Unsure: When in doubt, talk to a lawyer to avoid legal trouble.
  

FAQs

Why Are Brass Knuckles Dangerous?

They focus the force of a punch into a small area, causing serious injuries like broken bones or deep bruises. That’s why many states label them as deadly weapons.

Can You Travel Internationally With Brass Knuckles?

No. They’re banned in most countries. Carrying them across borders can lead to fines, confiscation, or even arrest, even if they’re legal where you live.

What Is the Legal Equivalent to Brass Knuckles?

Safer, legal options include pepper spray, stun guns (in some states), tactical pens, and personal alarms. These are more widely accepted and easier to carry legally.

Who Invented Brass Knuckles?

Most experts believe brass knuckles came from an ancient Roman glove called the caestus. Gladiators wore it during fights, and it was made of leather with metal parts to enhance the power of their punches.

What Are the Disadvantages of Brass Knuckles?

They’re illegal in many states, can injure your hand, escalate conflicts, and may lead to felony charges. They're also banned in airports and other public places.

Conclusion

Brass knuckles might look useful or interesting, but they’re illegal or restricted in many U.S. states. Even where they are legal, you can still get into trouble for carrying them in places like airports, schools, or government buildings.

The key takeaway is simple: always check your local laws before buying or carrying brass knuckles. Just because you can find them online doesn’t mean they’re legal where you live.

If you want to stay safe and avoid legal issues, consider legal self-defence tools like pepper spray, alarms, or tactical pens.

Know the law. Make smart choices. Stay safe.