Yes, switchblades are legal in Missouri under state law, but federal restrictions and local ordinances may apply. Missouri Revised Statutes § 571.020 exempts switchblades from prohibited weapons classifications, permitting ownership and carry without a permit. However, federal law under 15 U.S.C. § 1244 still restricts interstate transport unless compliant with the Switchblade Knife Act. Municipalities like St. Louis and Kansas City may impose additional blade-length limits or concealed carry restrictions, requiring compliance with local ordinances.
Key Regulations for Switchblades in Missouri
- State Law Exemption: Missouri explicitly excludes switchblades from its definition of prohibited weapons, allowing ownership and open carry without licensing.
- Federal Transport Restrictions: Interstate movement of switchblades remains subject to the Switchblade Knife Act, which requires compliance with federal transport regulations for lawful carriage.
- Local Ordinance Variability: Cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City may enforce blade-length caps (e.g., 4 inches) or prohibit concealed carry, necessitating adherence to municipal codes.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol enforces state-level regulations, while local law enforcement agencies monitor compliance with municipal restrictions. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to standardize statewide blade-length limits, potentially altering current permissive conditions. Owners should monitor updates from the Missouri Department of Public Safety and consult local ordinances to ensure full compliance.