No. Shuriken are classified as “prohibited weapons” under Iowa Code § 724.1, making their possession, sale, or use unlawful without a valid permit. Local ordinances in cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids further restrict their display or transport, aligning with the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s 2024 enforcement guidance.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Iowa
- Prohibited Weapons Statute: Iowa Code § 724.1 explicitly bans shuriken as “any instrument of like kind” to throwing knives or ninja stars, punishable as an aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years imprisonment and $855 fine).
- Local Ordinance Overlaps: Municipal codes in jurisdictions such as Polk County and Linn County mirror state law, adding municipal court penalties (e.g., fines up to $1,500) for public display or transport without a concealed carry permit.
- Permit Exceptions: The Iowa Firearms Permit Unit (under the DPS) may authorize possession for historical reenactments or martial arts training, but applicants must demonstrate “bona fide” use and pass a background check per 2026 regulatory updates.