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Brass Knuckles Laws in New Mexico

The rules on brass knuckles in New Mexico: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: New Mexico does not ban owning brass knuckles, but it lists them as a 'deadly weapon' (§ 30-1-12(B)). NMSA 1978, §§ 30-1-12(B), 30-7-2, 30-7-2.1, 31-19-1

Brass knucklesNew Mexico does not ban owning brass knuckles, but it lists them as a 'deadly weapon' (§ 30-1-12(B)). Unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, a petty misdemeanor, means carrying 'a concealed loaded firearm or any other type of deadly weapon anywhere', except in your home or on your own property, in a private vehicle for lawful protection, and for officers and license holders (§ 30-7-2). A petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both (§ 31-19-1). Carrying a deadly weapon on school premises, with narrow exceptions, is a fourth degree felony (§ 30-7-2.1).
Read in the NMSA 1978 unannotated compilation, Chapter 30, on NMOneSource. Penalty classes from Chapter 31: https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa-unanno/en/item/18531/index.do
Source: NMSA 1978, §§ 30-1-12(B), 30-7-2, 30-7-2.1, 31-19-1

More New Mexico criminal law

FAQ

Are brass knuckles illegal in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not ban owning brass knuckles, but it lists them as a 'deadly weapon' (§ 30-1-12(B)). Unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, a petty misdemeanor, means carrying 'a concealed loaded firearm or any other type of deadly weapon anywhere', except in your home or on your own property, in a private vehicle for lawful protection, and for officers and license holders (§ 30-7-2). A petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both (§ 31-19-1). Carrying a deadly weapon on school premises, with narrow exceptions, is a fourth degree felony (§ 30-7-2.1).

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.