If you’ve ever seen brass knuckles in movies or online and wondered, “Are brass knuckles illegal?”, you’re not alone. These metal weapons—also called knucks or knuckle dusters—have a long history in self-defense and street fights. But in most of the United States, carrying or even owning them can lead to serious legal trouble.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about brass knuckle laws in simple terms. You’ll learn where brass knuckles are legal, where they’re banned, and how laws vary from state to state.
What Are Brass Knuckles?
Brass knuckles are metal or hard plastic rings designed to fit around your fingers. When you punch someone while wearing them, they make the blow much stronger and more dangerous. Because they can break bones or cause life-threatening injuries, many states classify them as deadly weapons.
Even if you never intend to use them, just owning or carrying brass knuckles could be a crime depending on where you live.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in the United States?
There’s no federal law banning brass knuckles in the U.S. Each state (and sometimes even counties or cities) makes its own rules. Some states let you own brass knuckles, others require a concealed-carry permit, and many make them completely illegal.
To avoid legal trouble, it’s crucial to know your local laws before buying, carrying, or displaying them.
Where Are Brass Knuckles Legal?
As of 2025, brass knuckles are legal in these states:
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Montana
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
If you live in or travel through these states, you can generally own brass knuckles. However, even in these places, using them to hurt someone can still result in assault or aggravated assault charges.
Let’s look at a few key examples that people often ask about.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in California?
Yes, brass knuckles are illegal in California.
California has one of the strictest bans in the country. Under state law, it’s illegal to buy, sell, possess, manufacture, or use brass knuckles—whether they’re made of metal, plastic, or another material.
If you’re caught with brass knuckles in California, you could face:
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
- Fines and possible jail time
- Permanent criminal record
Even decorative versions or keychains shaped like brass knuckles can get you into trouble in California.
Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Texas?
Yes, brass knuckles are legal in Texas.
Texas once banned them, but that changed in 2019 when lawmakers removed brass knuckles from the list of prohibited weapons. Today, adults can legally possess and carry them for self-defense.
However, if you use brass knuckles in a fight or to harm someone, you can still face serious criminal charges like assault with a deadly weapon.
So while Texas law lets you own brass knuckles, using them recklessly is never smart or legal.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Florida?
Brass knuckles are not completely illegal in Florida, but there’s a catch: you need a concealed weapon permit to carry them.
If you carry them without a permit, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, facing:
- Up to 1 year in jail, and
- Fines up to $1,000
Even with a permit, if you use them to attack someone, that turns into a felony offense. Florida treats any weapon use that causes injury very seriously.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in NY (New York)?
Yes. Brass knuckles are illegal in New York.
New York bans the possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles made of any material—metal, plastic, or even wood.
Carrying them, even for self-defense, can lead to criminal possession of a weapon charges. If convicted, you may face fines or up to a year in jail.
In short: avoid brass knuckles entirely in New York. Even carrying them as a novelty item can result in an arrest.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Illinois?
Yes. Brass knuckles are illegal in Illinois.
The state has one of the toughest bans—covering metal, plastic, or even jewelry-style knuckles. You can be charged for:
- Possession
- Sale or manufacture
- Use during an altercation
Owning brass knuckles in Illinois is considered a felony, with penalties that can include prison time and heavy fines.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Arizona?
No, brass knuckles are legal in Arizona.
In Arizona, adults over 21 can carry a concealed firearm or deadly weapon—including brass knuckles—without a permit.
Still, the law is clear that using brass knuckles aggressively or threateningly can lead to felony assault charges. So while you can own them, using them irresponsibly will get you in serious trouble.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Georgia?
No, brass knuckles are legal in Georgia.
You can legally own and carry them, but Georgia law prohibits bringing weapons, including brass knuckles, into schools, courthouses, and hospitals.
Also, using brass knuckles to hurt someone or threaten violence will lead to criminal charges, just like using any other deadly weapon.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Missouri?
No, brass knuckles are legal in Missouri.
Missouri changed its law in 2022, repealing the earlier ban. Now, you can buy, own, and carry brass knuckles legally.
That said, using them during a fight or crime still counts as using a deadly weapon, and that can lead to felony assault charges.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Ohio?
No, brass knuckles are legal in Ohio.
Ohio law doesn’t specifically list brass knuckles as illegal, but they can still be considered a deadly weapon if used to harm someone.
If you carry them concealed without a permit, you could face a misdemeanor. Using them in a violent act could bring felony charges.
States That Require a Permit to Carry Brass Knuckles
Some states allow you to own brass knuckles but require a concealed carry permit if you want to carry them hidden in public.
These states include:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
In these places, you can keep brass knuckles at home, but you must follow concealed-carry laws if you bring them outside.
States Where Brass Knuckles Are Illegal
As of 2025, the following states ban brass knuckles entirely:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington.
In these states, owning, selling, or even displaying brass knuckles can lead to criminal charges—even if you never use them.
What Happens If You’re Caught with Brass Knuckles?
Penalties depend on the state. In most cases, being caught with illegal brass knuckles can result in:
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
- Jail or prison time
- Fines up to several thousand dollars
- Confiscation of the weapon
If you use them during a fight or crime, you’ll face additional assault or weapon charges, which can lead to longer sentences.
What About Plastic or 3D-Printed Knuckles?
Don’t assume “plastic” knuckles are safe.
Most states define brass knuckles by function, not material. So even if they’re made of hard plastic or resin, they’re treated the same as metal ones if used as a weapon.
In California, Illinois, and New York, plastic knuckles are just as illegal as brass ones.
Can City Laws Differ from State Laws?
Yes. Some cities or counties have their own ordinances that can be stricter than state laws.
For example, even if your state allows brass knuckles, your city might prohibit them. Always check both state and local laws to avoid surprises.
Traveling with Brass Knuckles
If you travel across state lines, remember that brass knuckles that are legal at home might be illegal in the next state.
Never carry them in your luggage or on a plane—they’ll be confiscated by the TSA, and you could face charges.
Practical Advice
- If your state requires a permit, apply for one before carrying.
- Don’t carry brass knuckles to public gatherings, schools, or government buildings.
- Never use brass knuckles in a fight unless your life is in imminent danger, and even then, laws may not protect you.
- When in doubt, don’t carry them at all—choose safer, legal self-defense tools like pepper spray or alarms.
FAQs
Are brass knuckles legal in my state?
Check your state’s laws. Many states ban them completely; others allow them with a permit.
Are brass knuckles illegal in California?
Yes, California bans all types of brass knuckles, even plastic ones.
Are brass knuckles legal in Texas?
Yes, they’re fully legal for adults since 2019, but using them violently is still illegal.
Are brass knuckles illegal in Florida?
You can own them, but carrying them without a concealed weapon permit is illegal.
Where are brass knuckles legal?
As of 2025, they’re legal in 14 states, including Texas, Arizona, and Missouri.
Are brass knuckles illegal in Illinois or New York?
Yes. Both states ban brass knuckles entirely.
Can I keep brass knuckles at home?
Only if your state allows possession. In states like California, Illinois, or New York, even home possession is illegal.
Final Thoughts
So, are brass knuckles illegal? It depends on where you are. Some states treat them like any other self-defense tool, while others classify them as dangerous weapons.
If you’re thinking about buying or carrying brass knuckles, check your state’s laws first. A single mistake could lead to fines, arrest, or even jail time.
Staying informed and cautious is the best way to keep yourself safe—and on the right side of the law.