Knives are an important part of our daily lives, whether we are cooking, doing things outside, or collecting. There are, however, laws that range from state to state about how to own and use knives.
It is very important to know the knife rules in Michigan if you want to stay out of trouble. In order to better understand what kinds of knives are not allowed and how to carry one hidden, let us look into the specifics of Michigan’s knife laws.
What are the Knife Laws in Michigan?
Michigan’s knife rules are set out in a number of statutes and sections of the state penal code. Section 750.226 and Section 750.227 are the main laws.
Section 750.226 says that you can not carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, or any other knife with a blade longer than 3 inches if you plan to use it against someone illegally.
If you break this section, you could go to jail for up to 5 years or pay a fine of up to $2,000.
Section 750.227 says that you can not have a hidden dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument, or any other dangerous weapon on your person or in your car, unless you are in your home, place of business, or on land that you own.
What is the Legal Knife Length in Michigan?
The maximum length of a pocket knife that is allowed in Michigan is not set in stone. Instead, it depends on the situation and the purpose of the knife.
You can legally carry a folding pocket knife with a blade that is less than 3 inches long.
If you carry a fixed-blade knife or any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, it can be called a “dangerous weapon” and you can not hide it.
Regulations for Pocket Knives and Concealed Carry
Michigan’s knife rules say that you can legally carry a folding knife with a blade that is less than 3 inches long without being suspected of having illegal intentions.
If the knife is not out of reach, carrying it in a car is not considered hidden carry.
hat types of knives are restricted in Michigan ?
Some kinds of knives are illegal to own or carry in Michigan because they are thought to be especially dangerous.
In Michigan, it is legal to own automatic knives (switchblades) and gravity knives, but it is illegal to carry them hidden if they are going to be used as a weapon.
You can not hide double-edged knives like stilettos and swords under any circumstances.
It is also against the law to carry knives like machetes and survival knives if the person carrying them can not show that they are used legally for things like camping or shooting.
Exemptions and exceptions to Michigan knife laws
There are exceptions for police agents, people in the military, and people who need to use knives for legal business reasons. The same goes for knives that are legally used for shooting and fishing.
knives with blades
Also, knives that are needed for work are allowed while people are working.
Besides the rules set by the state, some cities and towns in Michigan also have their own knife laws.
These local laws may be more restrictive than state laws.Ā
Detroit has tougher rules about knives, such as possible limits on blade length and carrying knives openly in some places.
Ann Arbour might make it illegal to carry knives in schools and other certain public places.
Grand Rapids might have rules about where knives can be sold and shown.
In the case Michigan v. Mata, the court said that a Kershaw Speedsafe knife did not meet the legal meaning of an automatic knife. As a result, the charges were dropped.
In the case of People v. Vaines, the defendant was found guilty of carrying a concealed jackknife. The case went all the way to the state supreme court and had an effect on Michigan’s knife rules.
What are some practical tips for knife owners?
To stay out of trouble with the law, you need to know and follow Michigan’s knife rules.
Know the acceptable length of knives. Usually, there are rules about knives with blades longer than 3 inches. Make sure that your knife is this long.
How to properly move knives: If you need to carry a knife, make sure it can be seen and not hidden, especially if you are in a car. If you do not want to be accused of hidden carry, keep non-folding or double-edged knives in the trunk of your car and store them in the right sheath.
Correct usage: Only use your knives for what they were made for, like cooking or shooting. People should not take knives around in public unless they have a good reason. Doing so could be seen as planning to use the weapon illegally.
Know the rules in your area. Cities like Detroit and Lansing may have laws that are tougher than state laws. Find out what the rules are in your area about knives.
Conclusion
Following Michigan’s knife laws is important to stay out of trouble with the state. If you know the knife laws in Michigan, you can properly own and use knives.
