Indiana Law on Switchblade Knives

It is always wise to check the legality of any conspicuous knives in your possession.

Indiana's laws governing the possession of various types of knives have changed several times over the past few decades, and it can be confusing to keep track of which laws are enforced at a given time. At the state level, prohibitions regarding specific weapons are defined in the Indiana Code at Title 35, Article 47, Chapter 5: Prohibited Instruments of Violence. While butterfly knives have become legal in Indiana, switchblades are generally prohibited.

Definitions of Prohibited Knives

Indiana law prohibits the ownership of most sorts of switchblade knives, although the law does not make specific use of the term "switchblade" to avoid arbitrary enforcement. Rather, it defines knives on which the blade is opened "by hand pressure applied to a button, device containing gas, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife" as being illegal. Most switchblades fall into this category.

Butterfly Knives

It is commonly believed that the prohibition affects butterfly knives. Although Indiana has had bans on such knives in the past, the most recent adaptation of the law does not include any prohibition on butterfly knives that conforms to the aforementioned regulations. The current version of the law took effect July 1, 2008.

Classification of Offenses

Possession of a switchblade in Indiana is generally a Class B misdemeanor.

Possession of an automatic knife as described above, including switchblade knives that use a spring mechanism to open the blade, is subject to prosecution as a Class B misdemeanor.

Selling and Creating Switchblades

Because Indiana has relatively lax firearms laws, out-of-state vendors are drawn to gun shows in Indiana. Many out-of-state merchants try to sell switchblade knives at Indiana gun shows, unaware that they are illegal. Participating in this type of transaction is a Class B misdemeanor for the merchant and the customer.

Knives on School Property

Even if you're a parent or visitor, it is a misdemeanor to bring a knife onto school property.

It is important to note that all types of knives are banned from school property unless there is prior permission from the administration. Bringing a knife onto school property (including school buses) is a Class B misdemeanor, and other factors could elevate the offense to a Class D felony. Contrary to popular belief, this law is applicable to visiting adults and not just students.

References

• Indiana Code: Prohibited Instruments of Violence

Resources

• Indiana Code: Prohibited Instruments of Violence