Can you legally carry a collapsible baton?
Batons and sticks are generally legal to own in many states. In some states, these tools are not legal for civilians to carry for defensive purposes.
In these states, you will need to be a police officer or on-duty security guard with a permit to legally carry a baton. Although there is no federal law that bans carrying a collapsible baton, it is illegal to carry a collapsible baton in some states including California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington D.C.
It is good to know that even in the states where carrying a baton is legal, using a collapsible baton in an inappropriate manner, such as using it offensively against another person or damaging property can be termed as illegal.
See below the list of different states and a statement of whether it is legal or illegal to carry a collapsible baton whether concealed or openly.
Can you legally carry a collapsible baton? Comprehensive and detailed
State | Open carry | Concealed carry |
Alabama | Legal | Legal |
Alaska | Legal | Legal |
Arizona | Legal | Legal |
Arkansas | Vague | Vague |
California | Illegal | Illegal |
Colorado | Legal | Legal |
Connecticut | Illegal | Illegal |
Delaware | Legal | Illegal |
District of Columbia | Legal | Vague |
Florida | Legal | Illegal |
Georgia | Legal | Legal |
Hawaii | Illegal | Illegal |
Idaho | Legal | Vague |
Illinois | Vague | Vague |
Indiana | Legal | Legal |
Iowa | Legal | Vague |
Kansas | Legal | Illegal |
Kentucky | Legal | Illegal |
Louisiana | Legal | Vague |
Maine | Legal | Vague |
Maryland | Legal | Vague |
Massachusetts | Legal | Legal |
Michigan | Vague | Vague |
Minnesota | Vague | Vague |
Mississippi | Legal | Legal |
Missouri | Legal | Vague |
Montana | Legal | Illegal |
Nebraska | Legal | Vague |
Nevada | Illegal | Illegal |
New Hampshire | Legal | Legal |
New Jersey | Illegal | Illegal |
New Mexico | Vague | Vague |
New York | Illegal | Illegal |
North Carolina | Legal | Vague |
North Dakota | Legal | Illegal |
Ohio | Legal | Vague |
Oklahoma | Illegal | Illegal |
Oregon | Legal | Legal |
Pennsylvania | Vague | Vague |
Rhode Island | Illegal | Illegal |
South Carolina | Legal | Vague |
South Dakota | Legal | Legal |
Tennessee | Illegal | Illegal |
Texas | Illegal | Illegal |
Utah | Legal | Legal |
Vermont | Legal | Legal |
Virginia | Legal | Vague |
Washington | Legal | Vague |
West Virginia | Legal | Legal |
Wisconsin | Legal | Illegal |
Wyoming | Legal | Vague |
As we continue answering the ( Can you legally carry a collapsible baton?) Question lets look at some of the best collapsible batons
(1) ASP Talon Baton
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(2) Black Hawk Multifunction Tactical Baton Telescopic Flashlight
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(3) Smith & Wesson 21” Steel Expandable Baton With Holster
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(4) Monadnock Autolock Expandable Batons
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Can you Legally Carry a Collapsible Baton? More Related Questions
- What states are collapsible batons legal?
There is no federal law that bans carrying a collapsible baton. The state laws that ban the use of expandable batons are California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington D.C. Collapsible batons are legal to use in other states.
- Is a Baton good for self-defense?
Batons are more effective compared to other self-defense weapons such as knives, handguns, and other means for self-defense. These tools are easy to use and concealable, and you do not require training or learning before you use them. They are known as the most efficient non-lethal weapons for self-defense.
- What can I carry to protect myself?
Apart from collapsible batons, there are other tools that you can carry and use for self-defense. These include a pocket knife, pepper spray, stun guns, flashlights, and tactical pens.
Conclusion
Collapsible batons are easy to carry as they retract and do not attract attention to you when not in use. They are also multifunctional and serve many purposes. However, it is good to adhere to the laws of your state regarding the handling and ownership of these tools.