No, brass knuckles are classified as “prohibited weapons” under North Carolina General Statute § 14-269, making their possession, manufacture, transport, or sale a Class I felony. Local ordinances in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh mirror state law, with law enforcement actively enforcing these restrictions. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to expand penalties for repeat offenders, signaling stricter future enforcement.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in North Carolina
- Statutory Prohibition: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269 explicitly bans brass knuckles as “shuriken, throwing stars, or similar weapons,” with no exceptions for antique or decorative items.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities such as Durham and Greensboro have adopted supplementary ordinances, requiring law enforcement to seize and destroy confiscated items, regardless of intent.
- Penalty Structure: Violations carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 months imprisonment under § 14-269.1, with enhanced penalties for possession during the commission of another felony.