Is Butterfly Knife Legal in District of Columbia? (2026)
No. In District of Columbia, butterfly knife is prohibited. The cited District provisions do not establish a blanket ban on every butterfly knife by that product name..
Key facts
- Status
- Prohibited
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- District of Columbia
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Butterfly Knife laws in District of Columbia
D.C. Code §22-4514(b) prohibits possession, with intent to use unlawfully against another, of a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, a knife with a blade longer than three inches, or another dangerous weapon. The intent condition is part of the provision; blade length alone is not the stated offense. Section 22-4504(a) separately addresses carrying deadly or dangerous weapons openly or concealed. Classification of an actual object and any applicable exceptions require separate analysis. Section 22-4514(a) expressly names switchblade knives, but does not expressly name butterfly knives or balisongs. Do not equate those categories solely from a product label. The source supports the named knife/dangerous-weapon framework, not a determination that every butterfly knife is a switchblade or that every butterfly knife is legal to carry.
Frequently asked questions
Is butterfly knife legal in District of Columbia for travelers?
For travelers visiting District of Columbia, butterfly knife is currently prohibited. D.C. Code §22-4514(b) prohibits possession, with intent to use unlawfully against another, of a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, a knife with a blade longer than three inches, or another dangerous weapon. The intent condition is part of the provision; blade length alone is not the stated offense. Section 22-4504(a) separately addresses carrying deadly or dangerous weapons openly or concealed. Classification of an actual object and any applicable exceptions require separate analysis. Section 22-4514(a) expressly names switchblade knives, but does not expressly name butterfly knives or balisongs. Do not equate those categories solely from a product label. The source supports the named knife/dangerous-weapon framework, not a determination that every butterfly knife is a switchblade or that every butterfly knife is legal to carry.
Do I need a permit for butterfly knife in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia does not specifically require a permit for butterfly knife, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport butterfly knife through District of Columbia?
Transport laws for butterfly knife in District of Columbia depend on the specific item and your route. Since this is prohibited in District of Columbia, transporting through the state carries legal risk. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for butterfly knife violations in District of Columbia?
Penalties for butterfly knife violations in District of Columbia vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.