Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in California?
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is legal with restrictions in California as of 2026. California prohibits possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches under Cal. Penal Code §§ 17235 and 21510. Switchblades with blades 2 inches or less are legal to possess and sell.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in California
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is legal in California but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives Laws in California: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Switchblades / Automatic Knives is currently legal with restrictions in California.
- 2 Possession: Illegal to possess switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less.
- 3 Sale: Illegal to sell switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less.
- 4 Age Restriction: 18+ to purchase
- 5 Penalties: Misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Illegal to possess switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less. |
| Sale | Illegal to sell switchblades with blades over 2 inches; legal if 2 inches or less. |
| Age Restriction | 18+ to purchase |
| Penalties | Misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to one year. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does California Compare?
Across all 50 states, Switchblades / Automatic Knives is fully legal in 20 states, legal with restrictions in 28 states, and illegal in 2 states. California is among the 28 states where it is legal with restrictions.
View the full 50-state map for Switchblades / Automatic Knives →Top Switchblades / Automatic Knives Products Available in California (Where Permitted)
Verified vendors that ship to California. Always confirm current laws before purchasing.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: California Penal Code §§ 17235, 21510
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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