No. Nunchucks are classified as “prohibited weapons” under New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 30-7-2.2, rendering their possession, sale, or use unlawful statewide. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Albuquerque Police Department, further prohibit their carry in public spaces, with violations punishable by fines or misdemeanor charges. Exceptions exist only for law enforcement or licensed martial arts practitioners.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in New Mexico
- Statutory Ban: N.M. Stat. § 30-7-2.2 explicitly lists nunchucks as prohibited weapons, aligning with the state’s 2023 weapons statute revisions.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Santa Fe and Las Cruces impose additional restrictions, including bans on possession in schools or government buildings under local ordinances (e.g., Santa Fe Municipal Code § 6-3.1).
- Penalties: Violations carry misdemeanor charges, with potential fines up to $1,000 and/or 364 days in jail, per N.M. Stat. § 30-7-2.2(D). Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) may also apply in restricted federal zones.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts, such as the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s updated weapons advisory, emphasize stricter enforcement of prohibited items in public transit and licensed establishments. Martial arts schools must register with local sheriff’s offices to legally possess nunchucks for instruction.