Vermont Knife Laws

[Knife_Collector_101]

Vermont is one of a few states I was considering moving to at some point in the near future. I was also considering Ohio and Maryland. While I know the knife laws of OH and MD pretty well, I had a couple of questions about VT and their laws.

I understand that in VT automatic knives have a blade length limit of 3 inches. Does this apply only to carry and are auto knives over that limitation okay to keep at home or does this limit apply to both ownership and carry? I’ve seen some say it only applies to carry while others say it applies to every aspect across the board (possession, sale, and carry).

Also, is the 3 inch limit measured by sharpened portion only or does it include the entire blade from handle to point? Is this something cops in the state are really picky about?

Look forward to hearing from anyone on the forum who may be a resident of VT or somebody who has some insight into their laws. Thanks!

 

[tom19176]

Knife Rights has this info:

https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/vermont-switchblade-3-ban-repeal-introduced/

 

[glistam]

Here's hoping that bill passes!

Before that though, longer-bladed automatics are illegal even for mere possession in Vermont. KnifeRights is spot-on with how dumb that is considering they allow permitless-handgun carry.

Like many states, there is no established standard for blade measurement, either in statute or case law. Nearby Connecticut does use only the sharpened portion of blade measurement, and while courts sometimes do draw on laws from other states for purposes of interpretation on appeal, it is somewhat rare. Given Vermont's relatively low crime rate, low population density, and complete lack of other restrictions on weapon carry, it would not surprise me if there has never been a meaningful case or challenge to how the blade is measured.

 

[Knife_Collector_101]

Here's hoping that bill passes!

Before that though, longer-bladed automatics are illegal even for mere possession in Vermont. KnifeRights is spot-on with how dumb that is considering they allow permitless-handgun carry.

Like many states, there is no established standard for blade measurement, either in statute or case law. Nearby Connecticut does use only the sharpened portion of blade measurement, and while courts sometimes do draw on laws from other states for purposes of interpretation on appeal, it is somewhat rare. Given Vermont's relatively low crime rate, low population density, and complete lack of other restrictions on weapon carry, it would not surprise me if there has never been a meaningful case or challenge to how the blade is measured.

Hope Knife Rights’ bill gets passed. So Vermont isn’t like California where the length ban only applies to carry? Yeah, that is stupid. However, it’s probably a law that’s rarely enforced or most likely treated like a speed limit violation in cases where no violent crime has been committed.

Something like: If you’re carrying an auto knife with a blade half an inch over the limit and a cop pulls you over for a traffic violation and asks if you have a knife in the car, they’ll likely just confiscate it. Whereas if you’re carrying a 13 inch Italian Stiletto (6 inch blade) and are actively threatening somebody with it, the cops will most certainly bring the full weight of the law down on you. Let me know if this seems like an accurate assessment of how it’s enforced.