Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in New Jersey?
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is illegal in New Jersey as of 2026. New Jersey law (N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-3) prohibits possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblade knives. Switchblades are classified as illegal weapons, and possession is a criminal offense except for law enforcement or military personnel.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is ILLEGAL in New Jersey
Switchblades / Automatic Knives is currently illegal in New Jersey. Possession or sale may result in penalties.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives Laws in New Jersey: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Switchblades / Automatic Knives is currently illegal in New Jersey.
- 2 Possession: Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military.
- 3 Sale: Illegal to sell switchblades.
- 4 Age Restriction: None specified.
- 5 Penalties: Third-degree crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military. |
| Sale | Illegal to sell switchblades. |
| Age Restriction | None specified. |
| Penalties | Third-degree crime punishable by imprisonment and fines. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does New Jersey 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. New Jersey is among the 2 states where it is illegal.
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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: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 2C:39-3
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/PL20/3_.PDF
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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