Yes, knuckle dusters are illegal in California. Not only can you not keep knuckle dusters by your side, but you also can’t buy or sell them anywhere in California legally. Now, many of you may already be wondering, like, what is so lethal about these Knuckle dusters? Then just keep on reading to really find out what the exact reason is that the government has banned these weapons in the state. Here we’re about to share with you details like what the Knuckle dusters really are, what specific laws are behind banning them, and what kind of trouble you can get in when found in possession of Knuckle dusters.
What Exactly Are Knuckle Dusters?
Knuckle dusters, which are often called brass knuckles or metal knuckles, are small defensive tools that are placed on the fingers. Knocking with them will make the force of your blow multiply, which can lead to quite severe injuries, such as fractured bones.
Due to their inherent risk, the state of California has prohibited the devices entirely. It is of no significance whether they are of metal, plastic, or any other hard material; the law in the state forbids the possession or transportation of such items.
California Law on Knuckle Dusters
According to California Penal Code 21810, the use of knuckle dusters is banned without exception. The regulation explicitly mentions that these devices should not be produced, traded, donated, or held.
It is not allowed to use these things in certain locations and under specific circumstances. Their possession in the house, being in the car, or in person is not permitted. Besides that, it is quite insignificant whether you planned to use them or not; just having one is enough to break the law.
On top of that, it is against the law to transport high-grade firearms from one state to California. What that means is that you can neither buy them online nor be the recipient of one without breaking the law. Your reasoning as just a cool collectible item won’t help because the regulations consider them as dangerous weapons.
Why California Bans Knuckle Dusters
The primary cause for which California prohibits the possession of such firearms is a public safety issue. In addition, they are very simple to conceal, and as a result of just one strike, a person can be severely injured.
The intention of prohibition is to put an end to the violence that the authorities anticipate occurring as a result of the presence of such lethal weapons in the streets. To sum it up, these knuckle dusters are the main reason for troubles in society, and as such, they are banned; there are no separate allowances for personal use or for self-defense.
Penalties for Having Knuckle Dusters
If going around with knuckle dusters is on your list of things to do, California will go way over the top to make sure you are put out of action. It is charged in the criminal code as a “wobbler,” an offense that, depending on the situation, the wrongdoer could get either a misdemeanor or a felony as a result.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison and fines as high as $10,000
A criminal record will always be associated with you. This could influence your future in many aspects, like jobs available to you, your ability to move abroad, and the possibility of losing your rights to firearms. Besides that, California laws about guns are extremely strict; hence, you shouldn’t underestimate the problem’s seriousness.
