Knife owners will be protected while traveling with their knives in the U.S.
Legislation referred to as the “Interstate Transport Act (ITA)” is an important key to protecting everyone who travels across different states with knives, whether for work, daily or outdoor activities. The burden on knife users of trying to know, understand, and comply with several local and states’ laws will be replaced by these reasonable regulations:
Knife users may transport their knives by normal travel, including overnight stops, common carrier misrouting or delays, and other emergency or normal stops related to a journey through states (provided there is no intent to commit a punishable offense);- Knives must be legal in the state where travel begins and in the destination state.
- Knives may not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. If there is no compartment separate from the passenger compartment, then the knife must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console;
- If transported other than by motor vehicle, a knife must be in a locked container;
- An individual may carry an emergency knife or tool that has a blunt-tipped safety blade or guarded blade, or both, designed for cutting seat belts. That type of knife or tool does not need to be locked;
- ITA does not apply to the transport of a knife in an aircraft where passengers are subject to screening by TSA.
- Should an individual be arrested for an illegal knife but is protected by this Act, the court will award costs and attorney’s fees, and all court records be expunged.
“AKTI greatly appreciates the long, hard work and leadership of Senators Enzi and Wyden on this issue and this legislation,” said CJ Buck, AKTI Legislative Chair. “Their commitment to a common-sense solution has been tremendous. We look forward to continuing to work with Senators Enzi and Wyden as the legislation makes its way through the Congress.”
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Why Do We Need To Protect Traveling Knife Owners?
- There is a confusing, frequently changing patchwork of knife laws across the U.S. In addition to each of the 50 states having their own laws regarding knives, there are many local laws and regulations within several states that do not have statewide knife uniformity laws.
- A knife legal in one location may have serious criminal consequences in another location.
- Even within legal jurisdictions, enforcement can be inconsistent and cause law-abiding citizens problems.
What Does a Knife Owner Need to Know If This Act Becomes Law?
- Knives must be secured in a locked container.
- Emergency knives or tools Do NOT have to be in a locked container.
- Emergency knives must incorporate a blunt-tipped safety blade and/or guarded blade.
- State laws do NOT change.
- Your knives must be legal in the state where you begin your travel AND at your destination state.
- Travel does not apply to commercial air travel – You must comply with TSA regulations regarding knives and put them in your checked luggage.
- If you are arrested and in compliance with the Act, you have the right to receive costs and reasonable attorney’s fees and have any official records expunged.
- There is no protection for anyone involved in criminal activity or with the intent to commit a crime.
Knife users will have enhanced federal protection that they have never had before.
We expect the bill to be re-introduced shortly.
Text of 2019-S. 542