Sacramento Knife Ordinance is Confusing

[Nutty Knife Nut]

I'm confused now as to what the blade length limit specifically is in Sacramento, on the city code it says that "any knife with a blade three inches or more in length" is defined as a "dangerous or deadly weapon" but it doesn't say that 3 inches is the actual length limit.....I got pulled over and searched 2 years ago by a Sac PD officer and he found a 4 inch folding knife in my pocket and he said it was perfectly legal to carry as long as it is folded, and he didn't say anything about any length limits so I assumed that Sac has no length limit like most of Cali does, and now I'm looking at the city code website and it says 3 inches is what they consider a "deadly weapon"

http://www.qcode.us/codes/sacramento/view.php?topic=9-9_32-i&frames=on

9.32.010 “Dangerous or deadly weapon” defined.

The term “dangerous or deadly weapon” includes, but is not limited to, any dirk or dagger;any knife with a blade three inches or more in length; any snap-blade, spring-blade or push-button knife, regardless of the length of the blade; any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool; any straight-edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle; any dangerous or deadly weapon within the meaning of any law of this state restricting the use thereof; any cutting, stabbing or bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm and any firearm other than one carried pursuant to a valid permit, issued by a duly authorized governmental authority, or any ordinary rifle or shotgun lawfully carried for purposes of hunting or other lawful sport. (Prior code § 48.01.001)

And then I guess this code is supposed to mean you can't carry a knife in your car????

9.32.050 Dangerous or deadly weapons prohibited in cars.

It is unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession, in any automobile, any dangerous or deadly weapon, but this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment carried in good faith for uses of honest work, trade or business or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation. (Prior code § 48.01.005)

 

[glistam]

Now first, compliments on actually doing your homework and finding the statute.

I know why the cop let you go. It has to do with the parts of the law you didn't post.

Yes, a knife is defined as a “dangerous or deadly weapon” if the blade is 3 or more inches. But what are the restrictions placed on “dangerous or deadly weapons”? The law does not actually say that carrying said weapon is illegal. Rather, it makes carry under specific circumstances illegal. These include loitering/skulking around places you have no business being there, getting in fights or other disorderly conduct, or loitering around places that sell booze (9.32.020, 9.32.040, 9.32.040). Driving in your car or minding your own business with an otherwise state-legal knife is not against Sacramento law.

Regarding carrying in a car, it would appear that in the Sac PD officer's eyes, you qualified as carrying "in good faith for uses of honest work, trade or business or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation." I take it you were smart and didn't say the knife was for self-defense, or better yet, said it was for work? That's probably why.

 

[Nutty Knife Nut]

So I guess there is no blade length limit, it doesn't mention anything about a length llimit on their website.

 

[Christian]

Basicly, your actions are going to influence if you get charged or not. If you're hanging out in Del Paso Heights at 3am, with no reason to be there other than loitering or what have you, you might get your knife confiscated or worse, catch a weapons charge. If, on the other hand, you have a legitimate reason to be where you are, you should be cool. Also, your attitude will play a HUGE roll in an attitude check. Just saying. And no- no real limit on blade length that I've found.