Storing a knife in a vehicle in CT

[sullybosco1]

As you can guess from the title, I'm in CT so I can't carry anything with a single edge sharpened length of longer than 4". I was wondering if there are certain laws regarding storing a larger knife, say a Ka-Bar fighting knife or similar in my vehicle. It would be kept in a proper tool box behind the rear seats of a Jeep XJ Cherokee, so there wouldn't be a way to access it while in the drivers seat, which I believe is a factor in some states.

Thanks in advance.

Also, sorry for any improper spelling or grammar, it's 4:30am for me right now and I haven't slept since yesterday morning. I will check for any mistakes tomorrow.

 

[glistam]

The statute does technically say "carries upon his or her person." In other states, this has been ruled to mean actually on your person or within arms reach. Sadly the CT statute isn't more specific than that and I couldn't find any case law for CT on this particular issue.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_943.htm#sec_53-206

Because this appears to be more of a police procedure issue that one of statutory law, you could possibly ask a police officer about it. I would add in all my years of reading case law, I've yet to see a knife in the trunk ruled as a weapon. Cops also aren't allowed to search your vehicle merely because of a traffic stop. They either have to have consent (don't do that), a warrant, or be arresting you for a serious crime.

 

[sullybosco1]

The statute does technically say "carries upon his or her person." In other states, this has been ruled to mean actually on your person or within arms reach. Sadly the CT statute isn't more specific than that and I couldn't find any case law for CT on this particular issue.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_943.htm#sec_53-206

Because this appears to be more of a police procedure issue that one of statutory law, you could possibly ask a police officer about it. I would add in all my years of reading case law, I've yet to see a knife in the trunk ruled as a weapon. Cops also aren't allowed to search your vehicle merely because of a traffic stop. They either have to have consent (don't do that), a warrant, or be arresting you for a serious crime.

I will keep that in mind, thanks again for the info and advice.

 

[Todd21969]

Illegal with very few exceptions under Section 29-38 (Weapons in Motor Vehicles ).



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[glistam]

Illegal with very few exceptions under Section 29-38 (Weapons in Motor Vehicles ).



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Interesting, you are the first person who has made me aware of this statute. It's actually not in the criminal code where it should be, but in the public safety article. That's incredibly stupid legislation, but no matter, it's there.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_529.htm#sec_29-38

This is a highly bizarre statute as virtually every other state in the US does not make knives in the trunk illegal. Even California only has issue with the passenger compartment. However, this law does have exceptions:

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
...
(5) any person having a knife, the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or more in length, in a vehicle if such person is
....
(C) any person while transporting such knife as merchandise or for display at an authorized gun or knife show,
(D) any person while lawfully removing such person’s household goods or effects from one place to another, or from one residence to another,
(E) any person while actually and peaceably engaged in carrying any such knife from such person’s place of abode or business to a place or person where or by whom such knife is to be repaired, or while actually and peaceably returning to such person’s place of abode or business with such knife after the same has been repaired,
(F) any person holding a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license issued pursuant to chapter 490 or any saltwater fisherman while having such knife in a vehicle for lawful hunting, fishing or trapping activities, or
(G) any person participating in an authorized historic reenactment.

 

[Todd21969]

Interesting, you are the first person who has made me aware of this statute. It's actually not in the criminal code where it should be, but in the public safety article. That's incredibly stupid legislation, but no matter, it's there.

I agree it's stupid. It is also a felony. So take the exceptions at your own risk. You might beat the wrap, but not the ride.

In my area a Ka-Bar in a tackle box in the trunk( with a valid fishing license) won't raise a LEO's eyebrow. Can't comment on more urban areas and PD's.