Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in Colorado? (2026)
Yes — Switchblades / Automatic Knives are legal in Colorado as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Colorado does not prohibit switchblades or automatic knives. Possession, sale, and carry are legal for persons 18 and older under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-201.
- Age restriction: 18+
What the Law Says
Colorado state law does not prohibit the possession or carry of switchblades. However, some municipalities have stricter ordinances.
— Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18, Article 12
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Possession | Legal for persons 18 years or older. |
| Sale & Purchase | Legal without restriction. |
| Penalties | N/A |
| Age Restriction | 18+ |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant statewide legislative changes since SB17-008 in 2017 legalized switchblades and gravity knives.
Enforcement Reality
While state law legalized switchblades in 2017, local ordinances in cities like Denver and Boulder still prohibit them. Enforcement varies by jurisdiction, with stricter enforcement in these cities.
A common mistake is to assume that because switchblades are legal at the state level, they are legal everywhere in Colorado. Local laws are more restrictive in some areas.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Colorado. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Real-World Scenarios: Switchblades / Automatic Knives in Colorado
Can You Fly With Switchblades / Automatic Knives Out of Colorado?
Switchblades / Automatic Knives may be legal in Colorado, but airports are federal territory. TSA screens under federal rules, not state law. If the item is federally restricted, expect problems at the checkpoint. Even if it clears TSA, the laws of your destination state apply the moment you land. Plenty of travelers have learned this the hard way — legal when they packed, criminal when they arrived.
Can You Cross State Lines With Switchblades / Automatic Knives From Colorado?
This is where people get burned. Colorado treats switchblades / automatic knives as legal, but neighboring Nebraska treats it as illegal. The law changes at the state line — not gradually, not with a warning sign, instantly. "I bought it legally" is not a defense in the new state. Interstate highways near the Colorado/Nebraska border are known enforcement corridors. If you're driving with out-of-state plates in a state where switchblades / automatic knives is illegal, you're a target.
Bottom Line
Switchblades / Automatic Knives are legal in Colorado. You can carry them without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Colorado vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a switchblade is fully legal in 19 states, restricted in 17, and illegal in 14. Colorado falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Body Armor Laws Guide
This topic is closely related to body armor and self-defense laws.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
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.
Comprehensive Colorado Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Colorado — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.