Are Brass Knuckles Illegal? A Complete Legal Guide (U.S.)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change over time. Always consult an attorney or local authorities in your jurisdiction before making any decision about possessing or carrying a weapon.

What Are Brass Knuckles (Knuckle Dusters)?

Brass knuckles (also called knuckle dusters, metal knucks, knuckledusters) are hand-held devices that fit around the fingers or knuckles. When someone punches while wearing them, the force is concentrated on a smaller area, which can amplify injury to the target.

Although the term “brass” is commonly used, these devices may be made of various metals, hardened plastics, or composite materials.

Their ease of concealment and potential for serious harm leads many legal systems to treat them as regulated or dangerous weapons.

Federal Law: Is There a U.S. National Ban?

In the United States, there is no single federal law that uniformly bans brass knuckles for all states.

However:

• Some federal regulations (e.g. relating to interstate commerce, import/export, or weapons in certain zones) may affect them in certain contexts.

• Even where state law allows possession, federal rules (such as in airports, on federal land, or during interstate transport) may impose restrictions.

Thus, legality is largely determined state by state, and sometimes by city or county laws as well.

Key Legal Considerations & Typical Restrictions

When assessing brass knuckle legality, here are primary legal dimensions:

Because of these layers, a device legal in one state might still lead to criminal charges in another (or at local jurisdiction level).

Where Are Brass Knuckles Illegal vs. Legal?

Below is a summary (as of early 2025) of how different states regulate brass knuckles. Note: These are subject to change, so always verify current statutes.

States That Generally Prohibit Brass Knuckles

In these states, possessing, manufacturing, selling, or carrying brass knuckles is largely illegal:

• California: Metal knuckles are prohibited by Penal Code § 21810. Violations may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on circumstances.

• Illinois: Considered a prohibited weapon; possession or use is illegal.

• Michigan: A court recently upheld that a 1931 ban is constitutional, stating there is no Second Amendment right to possess them.

• Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and many others restrict or ban them.

States With Regulated or Partial Legality

In these states, brass knuckles may be allowed under certain conditions, e.g.:

• Possession allowed but concealed carry is banned or requires a permit

• Only nonmetal (“plastic”) knuckles may be allowed

• Use in criminal acts is penalized heavily

Examples:

• Florida: Ownership is not outright banned, but carrying them concealed without a license is a misdemeanor.

• Maryland: Possession may be legal, but concealed carrying often is not.

• Nebraska: Some interpretations allow possession, but carrying concealed is illegal.

• Missouri: Until 2022, brass knuckles were prohibited; recent legislation repealed the ban in many cases.

States Where Brass Knuckles Are More Permissive

These states are among those viewed as more lenient toward ownership or possession (though use might be penalized):

• Georgia: Permits ownership and carry in many cases.

• Indiana: Ownership is allowed; using them in violent acts is criminal. 

• Texas: In recent years, Texas passed laws legalizing brass knuckles after previously banning them.

• Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, South Carolina, Utah, Wyoming: In some states, brass knuckles are legal under broader weapons laws, but always with caveats

Recent Legal Developments

• In Michigan (2025), the Court of Appeals affirmed a long-standing ban on metallic knuckles, emphasizing that constitutional rights to bear arms don’t necessarily cover concealed or unusual weapons.

• Several states have introduced or passed legislation relaxing prior bans, or clarifying what kinds of “knuckles” are banned (metal vs. plastic).

• Because laws evolve, a state that currently bans them may later permit limited use, or vice versa.

Risks, Penalties & Enforcement

If you’re found in violation of brass knuckle laws, penalties may include:

• Misdemeanor charges — fines, probation, short jail terms

• Felony charges — especially if used in assault or violent crime

• Aggravated sentencing when treated as a “deadly weapon”

• Seizure or forfeiture of the device

• Criminal record, which can affect employment, rights, and more

Law enforcement and prosecutors often also consider intent, location, whether it was concealed, and damage caused when filing charges.

What About “Nonmetal” or “Plastic” Brass Knuckles?

Some jurisdictions make a distinction:

• If the device is made from plastic, rubber, or other nonmetallic material and lacks rigidity, it may fall outside the scope of statutes targeting “metal knuckles.”

• However, in states with broad language (e.g. “knuckles,” “knuckleduster,” or “weapon worn on hand”), even plastic versions might be restricted.

• Courts may look at how effective the device is; if it functions similarly to metal knuckles, it can be treated the same.

Always check the precise statutory definitions in a jurisdiction.

Practical Tips & Takeaways

1. Always check your state and local laws. A “legal” state might still ban them in certain cities or carry settings.

2. Don’t rely on generic websites alone. Use updated statutes or reputable legal databases.

3. Avoid concealed carry in states where that is prohibited, even if possession is allowed.

4. If traveling between states, beware interstate transport laws. What’s legal in one place may become illegal across state lines.

5. Use legal alternatives for self-defense. Pepper spray, stun devices (where legal), or non-lethal tools may be safer from a legal standpoint.

6. If charged, consult a criminal defense attorney immediately — weapons law is complex and defenses vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are brass knuckles always illegal?
A: No. Their legality depends entirely on state (or even city) laws. Some places ban them outright; others allow them under certain restrictions.

Q: Can I use them for self-defense where they’re allowed?
A: Even in places where possession is legal, using brass knuckles in a violent act often leads to serious criminal charges — they’re usually treated as a “weapon.”

Q: What about using them in my own home?
A: Some jurisdictions allow possession on private property even if carrying in public is banned; still, using them in violence invites criminal liability.

Q: Are there safe alternatives to brass knuckles?
A: Yes. Consider self-defense tools that are legal in your area (pepper spray, tasers, personal alarms) and de-escalation methods.

Q: How often do laws change?
A: Quite regularly. A ban today might be relaxed tomorrow. That’s why checking up-to-date statutes or legal databases before relying on these is crucial.

General U.S. Overview — Where Brass Knuckles Are Legal or Illegal

Here’s a simplified breakdown of current U.S. brass knuckle laws (as of 2025):

⚠️ Note: Laws can change. Always check your state’s current statutes before purchasing or carrying brass knuckles.

State-by-State Legal Guides

To help you find accurate information, we’ve prepared detailed pages for each state.
Click your state below to learn about its brass knuckle laws: