The Empire State Of The South is a wonderland for nature lovers with wild escapes and state parks like Amicalola Falls. From rainforests, mountains to cascading waterfalls, Georgia offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. But before you start packing your gear to discover the diverse ecosystems along rugged terrain and mountain top vistas overlooking pristine Appalachian forests .. know the Knife Laws In Georgia state. Most hikers are tempted to pack in a rugged cutter with the rest of their outdoor gear. But make sure you know which ones you can carry to enhance your outdoor experience and which ones can get you in trouble with the law.
Georgia had its knife laws reviewed and rewritten in 2012, and because of that, older articles on the internet are out of date. The new law is simpler, easier to digest, but can still be confusing. This article should give you a clear understanding of the law in plain English.
Demystifying Georgia State Knife Laws - The Old Law Vs The New Law
The old knife law in Georgia that you'll find mostly on the internet stated.
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126 (2012) (a) Any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun may have or carry on his or her person a weapon (knife) or long gun on his or her property or inside his or her home, motor vehicle, or place of business without a valid weapons carry license.
(h)1 No person shall carry a weapon without a valid weapons carry license [except for certain exemptions that apply only to guns].
A knife was considered a 'weapon' if the blade was over 5 inches. That meant you could carry, either open or concealed, any knife (automatic knife, fixed or folded) with a blade five inches or less in length. Any more than 5 inches of blade, and you'd require a weapon license.
That was the old law, and it's gone - replaced by a simpler law.
The new law rewritten states:
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-136 (2012) Restrictions on possession, manufacture, sale, or transfer of knives: Except for restrictions in courthouses and government buildings, no county, municipality, or consolidated government shall, by rule or ordinance, constrain the possession, manufacture, sale, or transfer of a knife more restrictively than the provisions of this part.
List Of Knives Legal to Own in Georgia
-Balisong knives or butterfly knives are legal.
-Bowie knives, switchblades, and all other large knives are legal.
-Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal.
-Disguised knives such as penknives, comb knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
-Automatic knives, stilettos, switchblades, dirks, and daggers are legal.
-Spring-powered automatic knives and ballistic knives are legal.
-Non-metal knives (undetectable with a metal detector) are legal.
In Georgia, there are no limits on the possession of knives. You can own any knife you want. There are only limits on carrying knives.
List Of Knives Legal to Carry in Georgia
The revised law increased the maximum blade-length limit for carry knives from 5 inches to 12 inches. So, now, it is LEGAL to open carry any knife with a blade 12 inches or less in length. Knives with blades longer than 12 inches require a weapon carry license.
Here's what you can and cannot carry
-It's LEGAL to carry any knife, open or concealed carry, with a blade less than 12 inches in length.
-It is ILLEGAL to carry, open or concealed, a knife that is larger than 12 inches without a permit.
-For knives greater than 12 inches, you need a weapons permit, after which there are no restrictions.
When you take away all the confusing jargon and legal terms, the law is very simple. Own any knife, any length legally but carry (open or concealed) knives with blades no more than 12 inches.
