Baltimore County lawmakers are moving to clamp down on certain street-style weapons, rolling out a proposal Tuesday that would outlaw the sale and possession of switchblade knives and metal knuckles countywide. Supporters are pitching it as a public-safety measure aimed at keeping what they call high-risk weapons off convenience-store and smoke-shop shelves. The measure was introduced during a county council work session and is sponsored by Council Chair Mike Ertel.
According to The Baltimore Sun, the legislation would make it illegal to sell, purchase, trade, acquire, use, carry, or possess metal knuckles or knives equipped with an automatic spring or similar device commonly known as switchblades. The Sun reports that sponsors want to expand existing state and local weapon restrictions by cutting off easy retail access to those items. County officials say the goal is to reduce the chances that an impulse buy at a gas station or smoke shop turns into a violent incident.
What the Bill Would Do
Ertel, a Towson Democrat, said he has personally seen metal knuckles and switchblades for sale at the counters of smoke shops and gas stations and argues they should not be that easy to grab. He warned that an impulse purchase at a gas station could end in violence, according to Fox Baltimore. Supporters say putting a county-level ban on the books would give police clearer tools to crack down on retail sales.
State Law and Penalties
Maryland already classifies switchblades and metal knuckles as “dangerous weapons” under Criminal Law 4-101 and generally bans carrying them concealed. The statute makes violations misdemeanors that can carry up to three years in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Sponsors say the county bill is meant to sit on top of, not replace, state law by adding a clear prohibition on commercial sales within county borders. For the statutory language and penalties, see Justia.
Local Context and Next Steps
Baltimore City Code already bars the sale and possession of switchblades and sets penalties under its local rules, and some county officials say they want comparable standards across jurisdictional lines. County leaders say the proposal would bring Baltimore County’s approach closer to the city’s ordinance and to state criminal law. For the council’s schedule and pending bills, see the Baltimore County Council legislation page.
Legal Implications
If it passes, the ordinance would add a county-level ban on sales and possession that would operate alongside state criminal law, potentially exposing retailers and individuals to new local enforcement and fines in addition to state penalties. Maryland’s statute already makes carrying these items a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in jail and a $1,000 fine, and those penalties would remain in place for state prosecutions. Practical questions for the council and county police include how a retail sales ban would be enforced and whether any local ordinance might draw legal challenges. For the statutory language, see Justia.
