← Rhode Island knife laws›Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws

Rhode Island Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Conditional: RI's weapons law never names switchblades/automatics; such a knife is legal to own and carry openly but, like any knife, can't be carried concealed if its blade exceeds 3 inches (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-47-42).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: webserver.rilegislature.gov →

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

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering Rhode Island

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

ConnecticutRestricted
Carrying a switchblade with a blade over 1.5 inches on the person is a class E felony (Conn. Gen. Stat. 53-206); only automatic blades 1.5 inches or under may be carried.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsPermitted
G.L. c.269 10(b) bans carrying automatic knives over 1.5 in., but Commonwealth v. Canjura (SJC, 2024) struck that switchblade ban as unconstitutional — autos are now legal to own and carry.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →

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