Is Brass Knuckles Legal in Arkansas? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Brass Knuckles are illegal in Arkansas as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Class A misdemeanor
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2023: There have been no significant legislative changes regarding brass knuckles in Arkansas in the 2023-2026 period.

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Quick Answer

Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-120) prohibits possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles. They are considered a deadly weapon and illegal for civilians.

What the Law Says

Arkansas law prohibits the possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles, which are classified as a prohibited weapon.

Arkansas Code § 5-73-120
Category Details
Possession Illegal to possess.
Sale & Purchase Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties Class A misdemeanor; up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fine.
Age Restriction None (possession itself is illegal).
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

There have been no significant legislative changes regarding brass knuckles in Arkansas in the 2023-2026 period.

Enforcement Reality

Possession of metal knuckles is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas. The state strictly prohibits the possession, manufacture, and sale of brass knuckles.

Charge Level
Class A misdemeanor
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate
Common Triggers
Possession during searches or discovery in a vehicle.
Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the law may have changed or that non-metal versions are legal. However, the statute is clear in its prohibition of 'metal knuckles'.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Arkansas. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Brass Knuckles are illegal in Arkansas. Possession or use can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.

Arkansas vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying brass knuckles is fully legal in 2 states, restricted in 8, and illegal in 40. Arkansas falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Brass Knuckles:

Body Armor Laws Guide

This topic is closely related to body armor and self-defense laws.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to carry Brass Knuckles in Arkansas?
No — Brass Knuckles are illegal in Arkansas as of 2026. Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-120) prohibits possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles. They are considered a deadly weapon and illegal for civilians.
What are the penalties for carrying brass knuckles in Arkansas?
Class A misdemeanor; up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fine.
How strictly does Arkansas enforce its brass knuckles laws?
Possession of metal knuckles is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas. The state strictly prohibits the possession, manufacture, and sale of brass knuckles.
What typically triggers enforcement in Arkansas?
Possession during searches or discovery in a vehicle.
What is the age restriction for carrying brass knuckles in Arkansas?
None (possession itself is illegal).
Does the law on carrying brass knuckles change at the Arkansas border?
Yes. Brass Knuckles are legal with restrictions in neighboring Missouri. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Arkansas law prohibits the possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles, which are classified as a prohibited weapon.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Comprehensive Arkansas Legal Guides

Explore all related legal topics in Arkansas — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.

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Brass Knuckles in Other States

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