Colorado- Knife In Your Car

[molinee]

I had a sporting goods guy in Colorado tell me in 2005, when I asked about blade length, that you can carry any size knife in your car because the car is "an extension of your house" and is therefore legal for self defense. Any Coloradans heard of this?

 

[Nimick]

Not from colorado but I know that when your car is on the road it and its contents are tecnically the under the purview of the agency that owns the road (i.e the state). that's why your car can be searched if you are pulled over for any valid reason (broken taillight, speeding etc.) without a warrant, it becomes public property. It's like trash, the moment it moves out of your house, It's no longer yours. If your car is parked in your driveway, they need a warrant. if it is on the highway, they don't.

I'm pretty sure that's how it works, though not entirely positive. I had a friend who was moving his sword collection from his old house to his new apartment and had it confiscated when he was pulled over. he should have gotten it back because he had a valid reason for transporting it under NY law but didn't have the money for a lawyer to fight it.

 

[Ryan8]

Not from colorado but I know that when your car is on the road it and its contents are tecnically the under the purview of the agency that owns the road (i.e the state). that's why your car can be searched if you are pulled over for any valid reason (broken taillight, speeding etc.) without a warrant, it becomes public property. It's like trash, the moment it moves out of your house, It's no longer yours. If your car is parked in your driveway, they need a warrant. if it is on the highway, they don't.

No. Throughout the United States, probable cause or your consent are necessary to search a vehicle. Probable cause could be something like smelling alcohol, seeing contraband in sight, etc.

 

[Outlaw45]

Hope this helps:

Colorado - Criminal Code Section 18-12-101. Definitions...
(e) "Gravity knife" means any knife that has a blade
released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of
gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when
released is locked into place by means of a button,
spring, lever, or other device... (f) "Knife" means any
dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3-1/2
inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument
capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing
wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife
carried for sports use. The issue that a knife is a
hunting or fishing knife must be raised as an affirmative
defense. (j) "Switchblade knife" means any knife, the
blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure
applied to a button, spring, or other device in its
handle... (a.3) "Ballistic knife" means any knife that has
a blade which is forcefully projected from the handle by
means of a spring-loaded device or explosive charge.
- 18-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon... (1)
As used in this section the term "illegal weapon"
[includes]... gravity knife, or switchblade knife... {or
ballistic knife}. (3) A person who knowingly possesses a
dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony.
- 18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon -
unlawful possession of weapons. (1) A person commits a
class 2 misdemeanor if he knowingly and unlawfully:
(a) Carries a knife concealed on or about his person...
(2)... affirmative defense... (a) A person in his own
dwelling or place of business... (b) A person in a private
automobile... (c) [written permit] (d) A peace officer...

Colorado Case Law:
"The definition of 'knife' in subsection (1)(f) of this
section is sufficiently specific to give fair warning of
the proscribed conduct and is therefore constitutional..."
(1992)


http://www.knife-expert.com

 

[shootist16]

A car is definitley not considered an extension of your house. The Supreme Court has ruled on this many times. The police are given more lee way with cars, because cars are mobile. That doesn't mean the police can search your car at will. Passenger compartments are easily searched with proper articulation.

 

[Pilot1]

A car is definitley not considered an extension of your house. The Supreme Court has ruled on this many times. The police are given more lee way with cars, because cars are mobile. That doesn't mean the police can search your car at will. Passenger compartments are easily searched with proper articulation.

With respects to a firearm, Colorado allows carry in your car without a CCW. In that regards (firearm) your car is considered an extension of your house. This does not apply to knives however, where it seems almost anything you carry can be deemed a "dangerous weapon" here.

 

[Mikey]

I have never understood Colorado knife laws. I believe they vary from area to area, with respect to what length folding blade can be carried concealed on your person. Also, I believe it is illegal to carry ANY length fixed-blade knife concealed.

Mikey - Littleton, CO

 

[Pilot1]

I have never understood Colorado knife laws. I believe they vary from area to area, with respect to what length folding blade can be carried concealed on your person. Also, I believe it is illegal to carry ANY length fixed-blade knife concealed.

Mikey - Littleton, CO

Well the CO state law says 3.5 inches is the max balde length. But, if you read the law, it sounds almost anything can be construed as illegal, so you may be right.

I guess my Benchmade Axis Lock knives are dangerous weapons and illegal to carry as they can be opened by gravity or centrifugal force. Sigh....

18-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon... (1)
As used in this section the term "illegal weapon"
[includes]... gravity knife, or switchblade knife... {or
ballistic knife}. (3) A person who knowingly possesses a
dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony.

(e) "Gravity knife" means any knife that has a blade
released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of
gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when
released is locked into place by means of a button,
spring, lever, or other device...