No, butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in Connecticut under state law, with no exceptions for assisted-opening mechanisms or blade length. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) enforces this ban, aligning with the state’s strict definition of “dangerous weapons.” Local law enforcement agencies, including the Hartford Police Department, actively monitor compliance, particularly near schools and public transit hubs. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to relax restrictions have stalled, leaving the prohibition intact.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Connecticut
- Statutory Prohibition: Connecticut General Statutes § 53-206(a)(1) explicitly bans the sale, possession, or use of butterfly knives, classifying them as “deceptive weapons.” Violations may result in misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Enforcement Priorities: The DESPP’s Firearms and Other Weapons Unit prioritizes inspections in high-risk areas, such as entertainment districts in Bridgeport and Stamford, where balisong-related incidents have historically occurred.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like New Haven and Waterbury have enacted supplementary ordinances, empowering police to confiscate prohibited knives during routine stops, even if the owner claims the knife is for collection purposes.