Yes, switchblades are legal in Minnesota with significant caveats.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, Subd. 1(2), switchblades are not explicitly banned, but their possession and carry are subject to municipal and county-level ordinances. The 2023 Minnesota Legislature amended § 624.714 to prohibit switchblades in public spaces if deemed “dangerous weapons” under local law enforcement discretion. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has issued advisory guidance, effective January 2024, clarifying that enforcement varies by jurisdiction, with Minneapolis and St. Paul adopting stricter interpretations. Retailers must comply with Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensing requirements for blade-assisted knives sold after July 1, 2026.
Key Regulations for Switchblades in Minnesota
- Local Ordinance Variability: Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul classify switchblades as prima facie dangerous weapons, subject to confiscation under municipal codes § 368.30 and § 202.15, respectively.
- Carry Restrictions: Open or concealed carry of switchblades in public is prohibited unless the carrier holds a valid permit under § 624.714, Subd. 17, which excludes most switchblades from eligibility.
- Retail Compliance: As of July 1, 2026, dealers must register switchblade inventory with the DPS Firearms Unit and maintain sales records for a minimum of five years under new administrative rules.