Michigan Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Michigan. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Michigan for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statutes, MCL 750.227f and MCL 750.227g, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Michigan Penal Code § 750.227f prohibits wearing body armor during the commission of a violent crime.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Wearing body armor during a violent crime: up to 4 years imprisonment, consecutive to the underlying sentence. Felon possession: up to 3 years federal prison.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALMichigan law prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of brass knuckles under MCL 750.224. Brass knuckles are considered a dangerous weapon and are illegal to carry concealed or openly without a license.
Possession
Illegal to possess without a valid concealed pistol license.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Felony punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and/or fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession is prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to own and open carry in Michigan, but carrying them concealed is a felony.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Felony charge for concealed carry, enforcement likelihood is high
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Michigan does not allow constitutional carry. A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required to carry a concealed pistol under MCL 28.425c. Open carry is generally legal without a permit.
Permitless Carry Rules
Possession of firearms is legal; concealed carry requires a CPL.
Permit Availability
Sales require background checks and compliance with federal and state laws.
Penalties
Carrying concealed without a CPL is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment under MCL 750.227.
Minimum Age
Minimum age 21 for CPL.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Michigan with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
RESTRICTEDMichigan law prohibits carrying nunchucks in public, but possession in the home is legal.
Possession
Legal in home, illegal to carry in public
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Felony charge for carrying in public
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Michigan without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Michigan's open carry laws, which have been in place for many years.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDMichigan law permits the possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without a permit. There are no restrictions on container size or concentration under MCL 28.425o.
Carrying
Legal for all adults; no permit required.
Purchase
No special restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18 years old minimum.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Michigan. Michigan law does not prohibit possession or sale of suppressors, provided federal registration and tax stamp requirements are met.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with valid federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance; dealers must comply with federal law.
Penalties
N/A if compliant with federal law; illegal possession can result in felony charges.
Age Restriction
Must be 21 or older to purchase federally regulated suppressors.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDMichigan law (MCL 750.224) prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of switchblade knives with blades longer than 3 inches. Switchblades with blades 3 inches or less are legal to possess and carry. The law restricts sale and possession of larger automatic knives.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches; smaller blades allowed.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fines.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in Michigan with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. A court ruling made tasers legal for those with a CPL, but the law has not been changed to legalize stun guns.
Ownership
Legal with permit or restrictions
Purchase
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18-21 depending on jurisdiction