Knife Laws in South Colorado: What You Need to Know About Your Rights? People in Colorado love the outdoors and rough terrain. Knives are often very important for these activities.
Anyway, knowing the laws within your state about owning or carrying a knife is important so you can ensure you follow it. This guide will provide you with a general understanding of Colorado’s knife laws in 2024 so that you can be confident when following them.
Overview of Knife Laws in Colorado
Colorado knife laws are pretty straightforward, yet still pretty important things to know in other states.
The CRS Title 18, Article 12 basically forms most of the knife laws in Colorado. According to these, the kind of knives individuals are allowed to carry or use can vary.
- Lawful Ownership of Knives
Most knives are legal in Colorado to own, pocket knives, hunting knives and machetes. No restrictions on length of blade to own. It is still illegal to possess ballistic knives, knives having a blade that can be detached and propelled.
- Concealed Carry Rules
Colorado law separates open carry and concealed carry.
- Pocket knives with blades less than 3.5 inches can be carried concealed without restriction.
- Knives over 3.5 inches may be carried either openly or with a concealed carry permit if the law defines the knife as a weapon.
- Open Carry
Knives may be legally carried open in the open-carry counties of Colorado; however, cities, including Denver, have enacted different regulations. Denver has restricted knife blades of more than 3.5 inches and forbidden concealed and open carrying knives in Denver.
Prohibited Areas
There are additional places that limit carrying knives include:
- Schools: You can’t take any type of knife into school, no matter what size.
- Government Buildings: You can’t take knives into courts, federal buildings, or any other secure location.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, knives cannot be carried through airport security checkpoints.
Self-Defense Considerations
This state’s “Make My Day” and “Stand Your Ground” laws allow individuals to use knives for self-defense. When you use a knife, however, you must adhere to the principles of reasonable force, and you cannot provoke a fight.
Municipal Variations
Sometimes the local government has more severe restrictions than state laws. Citizens are aware that Denver and Boulder do not allow carrying knives. Never fail to check the regulations in your city or county to avoid unintentionally breaking a rule.
Tips for Compliance
- Be aware of the size of your knife’s blade and carry it that length.
- Do not bring knives to places where knives are forbidden.
- Be sure to know your local laws when you traverse the state.
- Understand how much force is too much force if you’re going to deploy a knife for self defense.
Conclusion
Colorado intends to have knife laws meant to keep everyone safe as well as allow freedom among people. Knowing about knife laws will help you handle your knives wisely and still obey the law.
If you have specific questions or concerns about your rights, you should always talk to an attorney for personalized advice.
