MALTA, GOZO knife laws!

sgt244

sgt244

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
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Hey guys, ive acctually been to Malta, gozo a few times, and always carried a knife without a problem, they are VERY laid-back.. but ever since joining the Euro they have become more and more strict i hear.. BUT I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING AbOUT THE KNIFE LAWS 0.0

It's acctually really annoying.. as im going once again in a few weeks, and would like to know if i could take my Strider PT and a Spyderco Pacific Salt (to swim with) with me in my luggage..? If they are in my luggage I doubt it would cause a problem correct?...

As for the actual "carry laws" in Malta (im staying in Gozo, so.. what are the carry-laws in Gozo)..?

Thanks, it would help SO much!

Thanks again!
 
Lol there's 'law' in Gozo? The only time I've had any attention from the police was in Malta and i'm guessing its because i was actually walking (maltese drive... even if its just around the corner) my father has a inherited house in marsalforn and I can say i've never seen police in Gozo whenever I've been there.

Just dont flaunt it I guess
 
Yup, LOL i know i know, thats why i said they are very laid-back..

But im the type of person in which if push-came to shove I'd like to know if i acctually was legally allowed to have it on me, and if they were right there trying to give me shite about it, I would know what im talking about it..

As ive said ive been there numerous times over my life (marsalforn is great btw).. but yeah i just wanted to know if there was any "written law" about knives..

I go into dive shops over there and they have all types of knives hanging off the shelves.. so im guessing they would be legal.. esspeically considering in victoria the square is filled with every type of knife from a manual to automatic.. LOL..
 
This was a thread on here a while ago. You can buy just about anything there, so I suspect the laws are very lax. I've seen switch blades and other knives for sale in the open in Valetta and at the martial arts store in Luqa
 
Yeah, thanks Ive also seen all types of knives up for sale over there in the open markets.. ive never had a second look while I was there, so im going to go ahead and take a few of my knives for edc..

If anyone else would like to chime in please feel free..
 
In Malta you can carry a "penknife" in public provided it has max. 8 cms blade length and is for purposes that you would normally use a penknife for. You can also carry diving knives, provided it's in the appropriate circumstances (an example would be on the way to a dive, with other diving equipment). The laws apply to all of the islands, including Gozo. Despite what you may have seen on the streets, flick-knives are illegal.

The relevant act is the Arms act 2005; you can look it up here:
http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=18396&l=
 
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THanks banksy, im pretty sure the majority of the police on Gozo dont know this exists, as ive used a knive in front of them countless number of times, hell.. I was sitting in a bar once and a child of no more then 15 sat down and ordered a beer... and there was a police officer in the bar aswell watching a soccer match... Yeah, sure they started to argue but not over him having a beer over who would win the match..

Gozo is like another world, they are all chilled out and go about their business, of course you'll meet that 1 jerk... but it depends where you go, the island of Malta is another story, and thats why i dont spend any time there, besides to catch the ferry to gozo :)..

Thanks for your info banksy.
 
banksy said:
In Malta you can carry a "penknife" in public provided it has max. 8 cms blade length and is for purposes that you would normally use a penknife for. You can also carry diving knives, provided it's in the appropriate circumstances (an example would be on the way to a dive, with other diving equipment). The laws apply to all of the islands, including Gozo. Despite what you may have seen on the streets, flick-knives are illegal.

The relevant act is the Arms act 2005; you can look it up here:
http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=18396&l=
Click to expand...

Hey guys just dropping in to answer about Maltese knife laws.

Quickly, the law is set up so that you need a license for any sharp or pointed object. The exceptions are that, you are on your own property, you use it for work (chef) or hobby (say diving), or it is a penknife (read folding knife) with a blade that is not longer than 80mm from the handle .

Prohibited under all laws are Butterfly knives, gravity knives, and 'flick' knives (assume auto or assisted opening).

You shouldn't have a problem if you carry a knife but if you are caught causing trouble, being drunk or say are involved in a fight even if the knife isn't being used, they will drop illegal possession of a knife as a charge. If you use it in a nonthreatening manner; opening a box, cutting food you should be fine. Also be ready for people to mention the four finger rule, where the blade is not to be longer than the width of your four fingers that's an old way of measuring simply remember the law states 8cm and makes no mention of the type of lock.

As for the auto knives you see for sale, they are actually prohibited but no one takes any notice, just because they are being sold doesn't make them legal.

If you do have an issue with police be prepared to have it confiscated and never get it back. It may be 'lost'. I carry a Delica most days if I lose it I can get another and won't be out too much money.

Use discretion, multitools like Leatherman and Swiss army knives won't get a second look same goes for Opinels even if they do have long blade lengths. But something like Emerson Roadhouse or Zero tolerance 0300 would draw too much attention because of it's looks.

Hope I could help.
 
2 months ago the laws over here have changed ... Any blade length can be carried in the public. If you are causing trouble (even if you didn't use the knife) it will be reported that the knife was used as a weapon. No flick /assisted knives allowed. Butterfly knives are still illegal :( and that's all. If you need further info pls contact me.
 
zakko said:
2 months ago the laws over here have changed ... Any blade length can be carried in the public. If you are causing trouble (even if you didn't use the knife) it will be reported that the knife was used as a weapon. No flick /assisted knives allowed. Butterfly knives are still illegal :( and that's all. If you need further info pls contact me.
Click to expand...

Interesting.... So now you can carry any blade length.. but if your in a fight they will report it as a weapon even if not used...??

Can anyone verify/clarify this information...?
 
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