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District of Columbia Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Restricted: Switchblade knives are banned: it is unlawful to possess a switchblade knife in the District of Columbia (D.C. Code 22-4514(a)).

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: code.dccouncil.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering District of Columbia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MarylandRestricted
Owning and openly carrying a switchblade is legal, but Md. Crim. Law 4-105 bans selling/transferring it and 4-101 bars carrying it concealed.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaPermitted
Switchblades are legal for adults — VA repealed possession/transfer limits (2022) and removed them from the concealed-carry ban list (2023); only ballistic knives remain prohibited to sell/give (18.2-311).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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