Carrying knives in Yosemite National Park is subject to federal, state, and local laws. As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park. However, there are specific restrictions on knives in California, which apply in Yosemite National Park.
Knife-free Zones in Yosemite National Park
-
Public Buildings: Penal Code 171b makes it a crime to bring or possess certain knives into California state or local public buildings or at meetings required to be open to the public. Prohibited knives under this statute include any knife with a blade over 4 inches, and it has a fixed blade (or one that can be fixed), and any prohibited knife under the law.
-
Schools and on School Grounds: Penal Code 626.10a1 bans certain knives on the grounds of any K-12 public or private school, California community colleges, The University of California, California State University, any private university, and certain state colleges. The prohibited knives include dirks or daggers, knives with blades longer than 2.5 inches, a folding knife with a fixed blade that can lock into place (“locking blade”), ice picks, and a razor blade with an unguarded blade.
-
Federal Property: 15 USC 1241-44 make it a federal crime carrying up to five years in prison to introduce or transport a switchblade in interstate commerce, or possess a switchblade on federal or Indian lands, or lands subject to federal jurisdiction. This law does not apply to if you have only one arm and if the switchblade’s blade is three inches or less in length.
-
Local Knife Laws: Many California counties and municipalities have knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state laws. For example, Los Angeles prohibits openly carrying in public any knife with a 3-inch or longer blade. Oakland bans carrying knives with a blade of 3 inches or longer. Sacramento County prohibits knives on any county property. San Diego County bans the possession of “throwing knives” at county parks. San Francisco bans loitering while carrying concealed knives with a 3-inch or longer blade.
California Laws by Knife Type
Folding Knives
California Penal Code 17235 permits both the open- and concealed carry of folding knives provided that they are in a folded or closed position. Permissible folding knives include pocket knives, Swiss-army knives, non-locking folding knives, and multi-tool knives.
In the context of Yosemite National Park, it is essential to comply with all state and federal laws regarding knives. While the federal law allows for the possession of firearms in the park, California state laws prohibit certain knives in specific zones, such as public buildings, schools, and federal property. Additionally, local knife laws may vary, and it is crucial to be aware of these restrictions when visiting Yosemite National Park.