Is Nunchucks Legal in New York? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Nunchucks are legal in New York as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 18+
Penalty
Class A misdemeanor
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2018: The ban on nunchucks was ruled unconstitutional in 2018.

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Quick Answer

Nunchucks are legal in New York.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 18+

What the Law Says

New York's ban on nunchucks was ruled unconstitutional. They are now legal to possess, but carrying them in public is a crime.

Maloney v. Singas, 351 F. Supp. 3d 222 (E.D.N.Y. 2018)
Category Details
Possession Legal at home/dojo
Sale & Purchase Legal
Penalties Carrying in public may result in weapons charges.
Age Restriction 18+
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

The ban on nunchucks was ruled unconstitutional in 2018.

Enforcement Reality

The statewide ban on nunchucks was overturned in 2018. They are now legal to possess.

Charge Level
Class A misdemeanor
Enforcement Likelihood
Low
Common Triggers
Carrying in public
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is believing that nunchucks are still illegal in New York due to the long-standing ban.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across New York. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

New York vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, owning nunchucks is fully legal in 45 states, restricted in 1, and illegal in 4. New York falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Nunchucks:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to own Nunchucks in New York?
Yes — Nunchucks are legal in New York as of 2026. Nunchucks are legal in New York.
Can you own nunchucks in New York?
Nunchucks are legal in New York.
What is the age restriction for owning nunchucks in New York?
18+
Does the law on owning nunchucks change at the New York border?
Yes. Nunchucks are illegal in neighboring Massachusetts. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
New York's ban on nunchucks was ruled unconstitutional. They are now legal to possess, but carrying them in public is a crime.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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