Georgia is a great place for people who love the outdoors because there are so many things to do there, like camping and shooting. Of course, tools like knives are needed for these tasks. Georgia’s knife rules have been worked on over the years to make them clearer. Understanding Georgia’s complicated knife rules is important if you want to stay on the right side of the law when you’re out in nature.
Georgia Statewide Preemption
Georgia has statewide law preemption, which means that all of the state’s knife rules are the same. In Georgia, cities and towns can’t make their own strict knife rules, unlike in some states where local laws can vary. This was made possible by the Georgia Knife Law Reform Bill, which Governor Nathan Deal signed into law in 2017. By getting rid of legal differences between different areas, this change was meant to clear things up and make people safer.
Georgia Knife Laws
This is the law in Georgia about carrying knives in public and carrying them on your person:
- You can open carry any knife with a blade shorter than 12 inches. You need a weapons permit to carry a knife with a blade longer than 12 inches in public.
- In Georgia, concealment is not a problem, so you can carry any knife in plain sight. However, if the blade is longer than 12 inches, you need a weapons permit.
People who are current or retired peace officers with valid licenses to carry weapons, people who are in the military, and people who work for the state of Georgia and are on official duty are not affected by these laws.
The law changed in 2017 so that you could carry a knife blade that was 12 inches long instead of 5 inches long when you were outside your home or land. A weapons permit is needed to carry a knife with a blade longer than 12 inches outside of your home.
Also Read: 8 Most Stupid Laws in New Jersey State That You Won’t Believe
Georgia Knife Laws by Demographic
In Georgia, your rights to own and carry a knife may be limited by your age and criminal background.
- In Georgia, you have to be at least 18 years old to buy, own, or carry a knife that can be used for attack or defense.
- It is against the law to sell, buy, or give this kind of knife to someone under the age of 18.
- Minors can buy a knife as long as a parent agrees or goes with them.
Georgia law says that people who have been accused of a felony or are first-time offenders can’t carry guns unless the state restores their rights. As long as they don’t carry a knife, a convicted criminal can own and carry a gun in Georgia once their rights are restored or they are pardoned.
Legal Knives in Georgia
In Georgia, there are no rules about who can own a knife. You are allowed to own the following types of knives:
- Balisong or butterfly knives
- Bowie knives
- Folding knives
- Pocket knives
- Throwing knives
- Disguised knives like lipstick, cane, or belt knives
- Stilettos, switchblades, push knives, dirks, and daggers
- Ballistic knives
- Undetectable knives (those that go unnoticed by a metal detector)
- Swords
- Karambits
Conclusion
Georgia’s knife rules are statewide preemption, ensuring all states have the same rules. Carrying a knife with a blade shorter than 12 inches is allowed in public, but a weapons permit is required for longer blades. Confidentiality is not a problem, but concealed carry is required. Georgia’s knife laws may be limited by age and criminal background, with individuals having to be at least 18 years old to own or carry a knife for attack or defense.