Quick Legal Facts
Statewide Preemption:
No.
Concealed Carry:
Certain weapons may not be carried concealed or “displayed in a threatening manner”.
Schools:
Knives are prohibited under various school district rules.
Major Cities with Knife Ordinances:
Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston
Critical Dimensions:
None.
Restricted Knives:
Knives restricted per 2001-A (1) “bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person”.
The sparse body of Maine knife law applies to any Bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, and other such knives “usually employed in the attack on, or defense of a person.” A knife within this class cannot lawfully be carried concealed. While such a knife may be carried openly, it must not be displayed “in a threatening manner.” No other statewide restrictions obtain.
Relevant Statutes:
2001-A. Threatening display of or carrying concealed weapon
Statewide Preemption:
None.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer:
None noted.
Concealed Carry:
It is a Class D crime (punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000) to wear under the person’s clothes or conceal about the person a knife described as restricted.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances:
Court facilities to include any buildings under the control or supervision of the Maine Judicial Branch per Order JB-05-9. Schools.
- Concealment
The “concealment” aspect 2001-A provides that it is unlawful to “Wear under the person’s clothes or conceal about the person’s person” any knife described as restricted. Knives of the type used for hunting, fishing, or fur trapping are excluded and may be carried concealed. Moreover, knives that are not designed for, or usually employed in the attack or defense of a human may be carried under one’s clothes or concealed.
- Bowie Knife, Dirk, Stiletto
Bowie knives, dirks, and stilettos are listed as knives that may neither be carried concealed nor displayed in a threatening manner. No definitions for the types mentioned are provided by statute. The same restrictions apply to “other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person”.
- Knives Used to Hunt, Fish, or Trap
The concealed carry restriction does not apply to knives “used to hunt, fish, or trap” per the exception provided by 2001-A (2)(C). The wording of this section does not limit or condition the exemption to participation in the pursuits described.
- Automatic Knives
The prohibition applicable to automatic knives in Maine was repealed effective October 15, 2015. Such knives are accordingly not restricted and not included in the category of knives “usually employed” for anti-personnel purposes per 2001-A (1). may be carried concealed or openly.
- Law Enforcement and Military
No applicable knife exemptions obtain for law enforcement or military members.
