Illinois is one of the greatest states in America, mainly known for its amazing city, “Chicago”. Its population has significantly increased in the last few years. But, unfortunately, the crime rates have also increased due to the loose weapon carrying or concealing rules. So, in this article, we’re going to explain to you about Illinois knife laws.
However, thanks to the Illinois knife laws updated list, not all weapon concealment or carrying is banned but, the blade length is restricted only to 3 Inches. Therefore, it has reduced the crime rates as well as the risk of injuries to the citizens. These rules are pretty similar to the Florida Knife Laws & other neighboring states.
So, Be sure to read all about them till the end!
What is the Legal Length of a Knife to Carry in Illinois?
As mentioned above, the blade size is limited only to 3 Inches as per Illinois knife laws. As compared to Florida where you can carry knives over a certain blade size limit with a permit, In Illinois, all knives above this limit are strictly banned.
In case you are wondering about the large-size swords, daggers, Machetes, and other knives, well, if their blade size is more than 3 Inches, then they are banned. In case of any major violations, you’ll face several charges and other issues which will be mentioned below.
What is the Chicago Knife Length Law:
No doubt, Chicago comes under the region of this amazing state of Illinois. However, due to its large population and increasing crime rates, the authorities have only legalized the knife blade lengths limited only to 2.5 Inches according to the Cook County knife laws as stated in Illinois knife laws.
Therefore, you can keep knives up to 3 Inch of blades everywhere in Illinois except for Chicago. As mentioned above, the violation penalties and charges are given below which will tell you about the importance of these weapon-carrying rules.
Illinois Knife Laws (Chicago):
Here are the major knives that are considered legal and illegal in Illinois and mainly its capital Chicago. Be sure to read their status and violation results before concealing or carrying them illegally in this state of the USA.
| Type of Knife | Legality in Chicago | Misuse Violations |
| Pocket Knife | Generally legal | Fines |
| Folding Knife | Generally legal | Fines |
| Hunting Knife | Generally legal | Fines |
| Utility Knife | Generally legal | Fine & Jail |
| Butterfly Knife | Legal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| Switchblade | Legal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| Gravity Knife | Legal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| Ballistic Knife | Illegal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| Brass Knuckles | Illegal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| OTF Knife | Legal | Confiscation, Fine, Jail |
| Dagger | Generally legal (3 Inches) | Jail |
Are OTF Knives Legal in Illinois?
Talking about automatic Illinois knife laws, Yes, the OTF Knives are legal in Illinois. At first, they were banned because it had a high chance that people would use them for criminal activities.
However, since the last update in September, these Out the Front knives such as Switchblades, Microtech knives, Gravity knives, and other automatic blades are considered legal.
Moreover, you don’t even require any permit or CCW license to carry or conceal them. Nevertheless, the condition of blade size limited to 3 Inches remains the same. You can only conceal the knives having a blade size of about 3 Inches. Therefore, here is the answer to your question on whether are switchblades legal in Chicago.
You do require permits in other states such as for following Massachusetts knife laws and limitations to live in peace, safety, and prosperity.
What Are Illinois Knife Laws for Minors?
As compared to the other states of the USA where any person about the age of 18 is allowed to carry weapons. However, in Illinois, you can only carry or conceal weapons such as guns or knives when you are about the age of 21 years old. I think it is a pretty good decision to keep the young ones out of danger in this State.
Moreover, if any teenager is caught armed with weapons, then his or her parents will face severe charges up to $600 to $1000 as per section 105 ILCS 5/10 22.6. Therefore, it is proper advice for parents to keep their children away from such people who are involved in these illegal activities.
2 Major Types of Violations & Penalties|Illinois Knife Laws:
| Violation | Penalty in Illinois |
| Unlawful Possession of a Knife | Class A Misdemeanor |
| – Up to 1 year in jail | |
| – Fine of up to $2,500 | |
| Unlawful Use of a Weapon (with a knife) | Class 4 Felony |
| – Prison sentence: 1 to 3 years | |
| – Fine of up to $25,000 |
Are Push Daggers & Machetes Legal in Illinois?
It is legal in Illinois to carry push daggers, machetes, switchblades, pocket knives, folding knives, bowie knives, dirks/daggers, swords, and disguised knives such as belt knives, cane knives, and lipstick knives.
However, just like the Texas Knife Laws, these knives in Illinois are also limited only to 3 Inches. Therefore, you have to make sure that the knife you are trying to carry or conceal meets the policies made by the law officials.
Moreover, you can personally contact the government in case you are looking for some extra protection for yourself and your family.
Illinois Knife Laws – All Cities & Restrictions:
| Major Illinois Cities or Political Subdivisions with Knife Restrictive Ordinances |
| Aurora – § 29-43. – Unlawful use of weapons. |
| Chicago – § 8-24-020. Sale or possession of deadly weapons. |
| § 8-24-021. Sale, display, and use of utility knives. |
| § 8-26-060. Creation of gun offender registry. |
| Cook County – § 58-172. – Disorderly conduct |
| § 58-172. – Disorderly conduct. |
| Joliet – § 32-2. – Brandishing or concealing dangerous weapons. |
| § 32-8. – Concealable weapons. |
| § 32-19. – License required. |
| § 32-22. – Permit required for concealable weapons; application; contents; ineligible applicants. |
| Springfield – None noted. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can you legally carry a knife in Illinois?
In Illinois knife laws, you don’t require any prominent paperwork in terms of carrying or concealing any different types of knives. However, the knife limitation rules must be followed accurately to prevent all major issues.
How many knives can you carry in Illinois?
According to Illinois knife laws, There are no limitations on the number of knives that are you carrying. It is about the rules and regulations. In case you are violating the rules such as using knives that have a blade length of more than 3 Inches you might get in trouble.
Are brass knuckles legal in Illinois?
No, the Brass knuckles are strongly restricted here as per Illinois knife laws. Moreover, if a person gets caught up using these knuckles, he or she will face charges up to $2500 and a year in the lockup as well.
Closing Things Up:
Illinois Knife Laws allow every citizen to keep themselves safe and sound away from all major illegal activities. Moreover, this state has limited the use of different knives just to 3 Inches in their specific blade lengths. Plus, the City of Chicago has an even much better rule of having blade length sizes of about 2.5 Inches.
As a result, they are restricting the crime rates day by day to a lower amount. All citizens are informed about the importance of such rules via TV and other social media platforms. Therefore, it is best to follow the given rules and prevent all major issues. Otherwise, you will be charged with several penalties and fines that can rip you up.