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Brass Knuckles Laws in Virginia

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

Short answer: Virginia does not ban owning metal knuckles, but carrying "metal knucks" hidden from view (concealed) is a Class 1 misdemeanor; a second offense is a Class 6 felony and a third or later offense is a Class 5 felony. Va. Code §§ 18.2-308(A), (B), (C), 18.2-308.1(A)

Brass knucklesVirginia does not ban owning metal knuckles, but carrying "metal knucks" hidden from view (concealed) is a Class 1 misdemeanor; a second offense is a Class 6 felony and a third or later offense is a Class 5 felony. The concealed-carry ban does not apply in your own home or its curtilage, at your own place of business, or to listed officials. Metal knuckles are also banned on school property and school buses as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-308(A), (B), (C), 18.2-308.1(A)

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FAQ

Are brass knuckles illegal in Virginia?
Virginia does not ban owning metal knuckles, but carrying "metal knucks" hidden from view (concealed) is a Class 1 misdemeanor; a second offense is a Class 6 felony and a third or later offense is a Class 5 felony. The concealed-carry ban does not apply in your own home or its curtilage, at your own place of business, or to listed officials. Metal knuckles are also banned on school property and school buses as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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.