No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under Maine’s criminal code, specifically 17-A § 1052(4), which criminalizes possession or use of “brass knuckles, slungshots, or other dangerous weapons.” Local law enforcement agencies, including the Maine State Police, enforce this statute with zero tolerance for exceptions. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to amend the statute have stalled, leaving the prohibition intact.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Maine
- Prohibited Possession: 17-A § 1052(4) explicitly bans shuriken as “dangerous weapons,” punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
- Use in Commission of Crime: Under 17-A § 1111, employing a shuriken during a felony escalates charges to Class B, carrying a mandatory minimum 5-year sentence.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal police departments, including Portland PD and Bangor PD, conduct periodic compliance checks in martial arts supply stores and online marketplaces to seize prohibited items.
Exceptions exist solely for law enforcement, licensed historical reenactors with prior approval from the Maine Department of Public Safety, or federally registered collectors under the National Firearms Act. Civil liability risks arise from accidental injury claims, as Maine’s comparative negligence statute (14 MRS § 156) permits partial recovery against negligent possessors. Consultation with a Maine-licensed attorney is advised before any acquisition or use.