Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in Illinois?
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is legal with restrictions in Illinois as of 2026. Illinois prohibits switchblade knives under 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(10). Possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblades are illegal except for law enforcement or military use. There are strict penalties for violations.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Illinois
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is legal in Illinois but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives Laws in Illinois: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Switchblades / Automatic Knives is currently legal with restrictions in Illinois.
- 2 Possession: Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military.
- 3 Sale: Illegal to sell or manufacture switchblades.
- 4 Age Restriction: None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
- 5 Penalties: Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military. |
| Sale | Illegal to sell or manufacture switchblades. |
| Age Restriction | None (possession prohibited regardless of age). |
| Penalties | Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Illinois 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. Illinois 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 Illinois (Where Permitted)
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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: Illinois Compiled Statutes, 720 ILCS 5/24-1
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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