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What UK Weapons Can You Legally Own?Many UK citizens think that ALL firearms are illegal, and therefore unavailable to the UK public – this is not true.You have the perfect right to own many types of firearms, but you must be able to have a good reason to do so.For full, in depth details, check …
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UK Airgun Law Air Rifle And Air Pistol LawWhat you can, and cannot do with an air rifle are very strictly laid down in the UK law. In 2011 the UK Laws on airguns were amended and are the current standard to work from. As with most firearms the duty of care is very much on the …
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Legal UK Weapons for PreppersSelf Defence and SurvivalPlease be aware:The law as described in this article is for England and Wales only. There is no such thing as an overall UK law, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions, especially regarding weapons and weapon ownership, which can differ substantially.As a Prepper you must …
What Is The UK Knife Lawupdate March 2017 Owning and carrying a knife in Britain has always been an area that preppers need be fully aware of but, do you know what the UK Knife Law actually is? If you were to go out carrying a knife, would you know if your breaking the law or …
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Air Rifle Safety in England and Wales
1. INTRODUCTION
It is estimated that there are over six million air rifles in England
and Wales, the vast majority of which are used in a safe and
responsible manner. This code of practice offers guidance to
those who shoot with them. It does not apply in Northern
Ireland or Scotland where firearms laws are very different.
High standards underpin public and political support
for shooting, now and in the future.
The code provides advice at two levels:
Advice that must be followed in order to deliver sustainable
shooting – unless otherwise stated the term ‘must’ only applies
to meeting the standards set by this Code of Practice and does
not refer to a legal obligation.
Advice that should be followed in order to achieve Best
Practice, any deviation from which would need justification.
THE FOLLOWING GOLDEN RULES APPLY:
1. Always know where the muzzle of your air rifle is pointing
and NEVER point it in an unsafe direction.
2. The safe conduct of air rifle shooting must meet the
standards described in this code, show respect for the
countryside, due regard to health and safety and
consideration of others.
3. Before you shoot, make sure that a safe backstop is
present to capture the pellet.
4. Consider live quarry; do not shoot beyond the bounds of
your ability. Do not take chance shots.
5. REMEMBER – ignorance of the law is no excuse.
If in doubt, always ask.
2. BEHAVIOUR IN THE FIELD
Promote and insist on safe and sensible behaviour by all
shooters in all disciplines. By acting on these points you will
reassure shooters and non-shooters alike that you can be
trusted with an air rifle.
• Always check with the landowner, in good time, if you want
to go shooting.
• Always confirm with the landowner what quarry you may
shoot.
• Always respect the land owner's property, crops, livestock
and fences and follow the Countryside Code.
• Always treat an air rifle as though it is loaded and keep its
muzzle pointing in a safe direction.
• On picking up or being handed an air rifle, check
immediately to ensure it is not loaded e.g. that it is
un-cocked and that there is no pellet in the breech. Be
particularly careful when checking pre charged pneumatic air
rifles.
• Before you fire your rifle, consider where the pellet could go.
Be sure that no damage can result if you miss your intended
target.
• Always bear in mind the possibility of a ricochet.
• Never put down a loaded air rifle or leave it unattended.
• Use of a sound moderator can minimise disturbance to
wildlife, livestock and other countryside users.
• Remember that all shooters will be judged by your actions
and ensure that your conduct is always above reproach.
Encourage the same attitude in your shooting companions.
Above all, be safe and be sensible.
3. WHAT YOU CAN SHOOT
Target shooting
There are numerous clubs catering for this growing sport
throughout England and Wales, and they can offer great help
and shooting opportunities for both the novice and the
experienced shooter alike. You will find contact details on the
BASC website in the airgun section.
If you want to practise on your own premises you must have
an effective backstop. This may be an adequate soft soil bank,
without stones, or a brick wall on which an old piece of carpet
can be hung to prevent ricochets. Do not use chipboard,
plywood or any thick composite material with a polished
surface, as there is a high risk of ricochet.
Remember that you can be prosecuted if any pellet goes
beyond your land, whether it is directly fired or an accidental
ricochet.
Live quarry shooting
Many people shoot live quarry, either on their own land or
where they have permission. The species which you can shoot
are limited by the law and by the effective power of an air rifle.
All wild birds are protected, and although there are seasons
when you can legally shoot game, and certain wildfowl, they
are not suitable quarry for air rifles. However, as long as you
are complying with firearms law, you can shoot certain pest
bird species. These are covered by general licences which, in
simple terms, mean you can shoot the birds listed, provided
you have the landowner’s permission and provided you are
doing it for one of the reasons allowed by the licence.
These reasons include:
• to prevent serious damage (e.g. to crops and livestock) or
to prevent disease.
• to protect and conserve flora and fauna.
• to preserve public health or safety.
The general licences vary by Country and are annually
reviewed by the BASC. ( British Association for Shooting & Conservation)
The BASC recommends that anyone wishing to take
these species should regularly read BASC’s advice on general
licences, which is available online at
http://basc.org.uk/shooting/general-licences/
You can shoot mammal pests at any time provided you have
the landowner’s permission. Air rifles are suitable for: brown
rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink and rabbits.
Respect for the quarry
Always shoot well within your capabilities. Practise on targets,
never on live quarry, to establish the maximum range at which
you and your rifle can consistently hit the point of aim that will
ensure a clean kill; this is usually the head, and normally has a
maximum diameter of about three centimetres (1¼ inches).
Practise regularly to improve your shooting and stalking skills.
Make sure you know where the kill zone is for each species
that you are going to hunt. For mammals the side -on head
shot should be the preferred shot placement. For birds, head
shots are effective but difficult because the target area is very
small and rarely remains still. Shots to the breast or body
cavity offer a bigger target area but remember that dense
feathers or a crop full of grain will limit the pellet’s
effectiveness. The area under the wing is a good place to
aim for.
You should zero your rifle and sights (check their correct
alignment) before starting any hunt; usually a rifle scope will
come with instructions; otherwise there are many books which
explain the principles.
It is your responsibility to be able to recognise your quarry and
know when and where you may shoot it. Never shoot unless
you have positively identified your quarry.
Wounded quarry should be despatched quickly to minimise
suffering, either with a second shot or a sharp blow to the
base of the skull. Be particularly careful when dispatching
wounded rodents as they can bite and scratch with a risk of
serious infection.
DO NOT TOUCH RATS. They may carry fatal diseases, so
you should lift them with a fork or shovel.
At the end of the day
Always leave your shoot in the condition in which you would
like to find it. Make sure that you collect all your equipment. It
is courteous to thank the landowner and to offer him
something from the bag if you have shot any edible quarry.
Take care of your edible quarry – remember it is food, store it
in a cool place and never waste it.
Non -edible quarry should be disposed of discreetly, carefully
and should not create a health hazard. This is a legal
requirement. Under most circumstances deep burial beyond
the reach of a carnivorous animal would be appropriate.
The displaying of carcasses on fences or on a gamekeeper’s
‘gibbet’ serves no useful purpose and may offend other
countryside users.
4. THE AIR RIFLE
Always ensure that your air rifle is powerful enough to achieve
a clean kill of your chosen quarry and do not attempt a shot of
more than 30 metres. Generally the ideal power level is just
over 11 ft lb (15J). For an air rifle that is more powerful than
12 ft lb, (16.25J) you must have a firearm certificate.
Never shoot at partially obscured quarry or shoot at quarry
which could escape into cover before it can be retrieved. For
example, do not shoot rabbits which are less than two metres
from their burrow.
Certain types of air rifle are more suitable for hunting than
others. Avoid those air rifles which take excessive time to
charge, load and fire. Repeating air rifles give an immediate
second shot which is always an advantage. All air rifles must
be well maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. If in doubt, consult your local dealer.
Choose pellets which are designed for hunting. These will
produce a cleaner kill than those which are intended for target
shooting. Check every pellet before loading to ensure that it is
not damaged or deformed.
5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Take care of your gun; it is built to precise standards and
damage or mistreatment can seriously affect its performance
and safety.
Do not attempt to strip an air rifle without having the proper
tools, facilities and knowledge to do so safely. Many air rifles
contain powerful springs which can cause serious injury if
released in an uncontrolled manner. After shooting, ensure
your air rifle is dry and free from dirt before storing it.
Metalwork may benefit from a wipe down with a lightly oiled
rag or a silicone cloth. The barrel should be cleaned using a
proper barrel cleaning kit, and again lightly oiled. Only use the
correct lubricants in accordance with the rifle manufacturer’s
instructions. Always carefully wipe the oil from the bore before
shooting.
6. THE LAW
The law makes no distinction between air rifles and more
powerful guns for which you need a licence – they are all
classed as firearms. This means that any offence you commit
can carry a very heavy penalty, and there are at least 38
different offences. Following this code will help you to keep on
the right side of the law, but if you have any doubt, seek
advice from BASC (www.basc.org.uk) or your local police
firearms licensing department.
WHO CAN SHOOT
18 years or older
If you are 18 years or older there are no restrictions on buying
an air rifle and ammunition, and you can use it wherever you
have permission to shoot.
14 – 17 years
YOU CAN
• borrow an air rifle and ammunition
• use an air rifle, without supervision, on private premises
where you have permission.
YOU CANNOT
• buy or hire an air rifle, or ammunition, or receive one as a
gift. Your air rifle and ammunition must be bought and
looked after by someone over 18 – normally your parent,
guardian or some other responsible adult.
• have an air rifle in a public place unless you are supervised
by somebody aged 21 or over, and you have a reasonable
excuse to do so (for example, while on the way to a
shooting ground).
Under 14 years
YOU CAN
• use an air rifle under supervision on private premises with
permission from the occupier – normally the owner or
tenant. The person who supervises you must be at least 21
years old.
YOU CANNOT
• buy, hire or receive an air rifle or its ammunition as a
gift, or shoot, without adult supervision.
Parents or guardians who buy an air rifle for use by someone
under 14 must exercise control over it at all times, even in the
home or garden.
It is illegal to sell an air rifle or ammunition to a person under
18 years of age.
Where you can shoot
Where you intend to shoot, always ensure that you are
authorised by the landowner or person with the sporting rights
and that you know precisely where the boundaries are.
Get permission in writing, if possible, to remove any doubt.
Whenever you are in a public place you should carry the rifle in
a gun slip and always ensure that it is unloaded and not
cocked.
Security
From February 2011, the Crime and Security Act 2010 makes
it an offence for a person in possession of an air gun to fail to
take “reasonable precautions” to prevent someone under the
age of 18 from gaining unauthorised access to it.
The legal advice contained within this publication remains
unchanged e.g. 14 -17 year olds may still use air guns
unsupervised on private premises where they have
permission etc.
For further advice about reasonable precautions for storing air
guns not in use please contact BASC or see www.basc.org.uk
for a copy of our fact sheet Young People and Airguns.
Trespassing
Intentionally going onto private land, or water, where you do
not have permission is trespassing, and if you are carrying an
air rifle it becomes armed trespass. Whether the gun is loaded
or not, or whether you are carrying pellets, is irrelevant –
armed trespass is a serious criminal offence carrying heavy
penalties.
Only shoot where you have the permission of the landowner or
tenant.
Firing pellets beyond your boundary
It is an offence to fire an air rifle pellet beyond the land where
you have permission to shoot, unless the person holding the
shooting rights of the neighbouring land has given you
permission. Where someone under 14 is shooting, both the
young person and the supervising adult can be prosecuted.
It is also against the law to discharge any firearm (including air
rifles) within 50 feet of the centre of a highway (which consists
of or comprises a carriageway) IF in consequence a user of
the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered. These
offences could be committed, for example, when someone is
shooting in their garden close to a public highway and the
pellets ricochet onto the highway injuring someone.
Never guess at what the law allows. If in doubt,
contact your
local police firearms licensing department.
* information taken directly from the Legislation.Gov.UK website
F2 [(1)If a police officer of or above the rank of inspector reasonably believes—
(a)that incidents involving serious violence may take place in any locality in his police area, and that it is expedient to give an authorisation under this section to prevent their occurrence,
[F3(aa)that—
(i)an incident involving serious violence has taken place in England and Wales in his police area;
(ii)a dangerous instrument or offensive weapon used in the incident is being carried in any locality in his police area by a person; and
(iii)it is expedient to give an authorisation under this section to find the instrument or weapon;] or
(b)that persons are carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons in any locality in his police area without good reason,
he may give an authorisation that the powers conferred by this section are to be exercisable at any place within that locality for a specified period not exceeding 24 hours.]
(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)If it appears to [F4an officer of or above the rank of] superintendent that it is expedient to do so, having regard to offences which have, or are reasonably suspected to have, been committed in connection with any [F5activity] falling within the authorisation, he may direct that the authorisation shall continue in being for a further [F624] hours.
[F7(3A)If an inspector gives an authorisation under subsection (1) he must, as soon as it is practicable to do so, cause an officer of or above the rank of superintendent to be informed.]
(4)This section confers on any constable in uniform power—
(a)to stop any pedestrian and search him or anything carried by him for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments;
(b)to stop any vehicle and search the vehicle, its driver and any passenger for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.
F8(4A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5)A constable may, in the exercise of [F9the powers conferred by subsection (4) above], stop any person or vehicle and make any search he thinks fit whether or not he has any grounds for suspecting that the person or vehicle is carrying weapons or articles of that kind.
(6)If in the course of a search under this section a constable discovers a dangerous instrument or an article which he has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be an offensive weapon, he may seize it.
(7)This section applies (with the necessary modifications) to ships, aircraft and hovercraft as it applies to vehicles.
F10(8)A person who fails
(a)to stop, or to stop a vehicle; F11. . .
F11(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
when required to do so by a constable in the exercise of his powers under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or both.
(9)[F12Subject to subsection (9ZA),] any authorisation under this section shall be in writing signed by the officer giving it and shall specify [F13the grounds on which it is given and] the locality in which and the period during which the powers conferred by this section are exercisable and a direction under subsection (3) above shall also be given in writing or, where that is not practicable, recorded in writing as soon as it is practicable to do so.
[F14(9ZA)An authorisation under subsection (1)(aa) need not be given in writing where it is not practicable to do so but any oral authorisation must state the matters which would otherwise have to be specified under subsection (9) and must be recorded in writing as soon as it is practicable to do so.]
[F15(9A)The preceding provisions of this section, so far as they relate to an authorisation by a member of the British Transport Police Force (including one who for the time being has the same powers and privileges as a member of a police force for a police area), shall have effect as if the references to a locality in his police area were references to a place [F16in England and Wales ] specified in section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 [F17and as if the reference in subsection (1)(aa)(i) above to his police area were a reference to any place falling within section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Act of 2003].]
(10)Where a vehicle is stopped by a constable under this section, the driver shall be entitled to obtain a written statement that the vehicle was stopped under the powers conferred by this section if he applies for such a statement not later than the end of the period of twelve months from the day on which the vehicle was stopped F18. . ..
[F19(10A)A person who is searched by a constable under this section shall be entitled to obtain a written statement that he was searched under the powers conferred by this section if he applies for such a statement not later than the end of the period of twelve months from the day on which he was searched.]
(11)In this section—
F20...
“dangerous instruments” means instruments which have a blade or are sharply pointed;
“offensive weapon” has the meaning given by section 1(9) of the M1Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 [F21or, in relation to Scotland, section 47(4) of the M2Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995][F22; but in subsections (1)(aa), (4), (5) and (6) above and subsection (11A) below includes, in the case of an incident of the kind mentioned in subsection (1)(aa)(i) above, any article used in the incident to cause or threaten injury to any person or otherwise to intimidate]; and
F23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“vehicle” includes a caravan as defined in section 29(1) of the M3Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
[F24(11A)For the purposes of this section, a person carries a dangerous instrument or an offensive weapon if he has it in his possession.]
(12)The powers conferred by this section are in addition to and not in derogation of, any power otherwise conferred.
Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F1Words in s. 60 inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(6), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F2S. 60(1) substituted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(2); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F3S. 60(1)(aa) inserted (E.W) (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(1), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F4Words in s. 60(3) substituted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(4)(a); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F5Word in s. 60(3) substituted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(4)(b); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F6Word in s. 60(3) substituted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(4)(c); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F7S. 60(3A) inserted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(5); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F8S. 60(4A) repealed (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 125, 127(2)(i), Sch. 8 Pt. VI
F9Words in s. 60(5) substituted (1.3.1999) by 1998 c. 37, s. 25(2) (with Sch. 9); S.I. 1998/3263, art. 4
F10S. 60(8)(a)(b) substituted (1.3.1999) for words in s. 60(8) by 1998 c. 37, s. 25(3); S.I. 1998/3263, art. 4
F11S. 60(8)(b) and word “or” immediately preceding repealed (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 125, 127(2)(i), Sch. 8 Pt. VI
F12Words in s. 60(9) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(2), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F13Words in s. 60(9) inserted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(6); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F14S. 60(9ZA) inserted (E.W) (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(3), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F15S. 60(9A) substituted (1.7.2004) by The British Transport Police (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1573), art. 12(3)(a)
F16Words in s. 60(9A) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(4)(a), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F17Words in s. 60(9A) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(4)(b), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F18Words in s. 60(10) repealed (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(7); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F19S. 60(10A) inserted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(8); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F20S. 60: definition of "British Transport Police Force" ceases to have effect (1.7.2004) by virtue of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, (c. 20), ss. 73, 120, {Sch. 5 para. 4(1)(b)(2)(f)} (with s. 72); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(ddd)(jjj)
F21Words in s. 60(11) inserted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(9); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
F22Words in s. 60(11) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 87(5), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 18
F23S. 60(11): definition of "policed premises" repealed (1.7.2004) by The British Transport Police (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1573), art. 12(3)(b)
F24S. 60(11A) inserted (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(10); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 60 extended (S.) (1.3.1999) by 1997 c. 21, s. 8(11); S.I. 1999/5, art. 2
C2Ss. 60, 60AA amended (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, (c. 20), ss. 73, 120, {Sch. 5 para. 4(1)(a)(2)(f)} (with s. 72); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(ddd)(jjj)
Marginal Citations
(1)Where—
(a)an authorisation under section 60 is for the time being in force in relation to any locality for any period, or
(b)an authorisation under subsection (3) that the powers conferred by subsection (2) shall be exercisable at any place in a locality is in force for any period,
those powers shall be exercisable at any place in that locality at any time in that period.
(2)This subsection confers power on any constable in uniform—
(a)to require any person to remove any item which the constable reasonably believes that person is wearing wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing his identity;
(b)to seize any item which the constable reasonably believes any person intends to wear wholly or mainly for that purpose.
(3)If a police officer of or above the rank of inspector reasonably believes—
(a)that activities may take place in any locality in his police area that are likely (if they take place) to involve the commission of offences, and
(b)that it is expedient, in order to prevent or control the activities, to give an authorisation under this subsection,
he may give an authorisation that the powers conferred by this section shall be exercisable at any place within that locality for a specified period not exceeding twenty-four hours.
(4)If it appears to an officer of or above the rank of superintendent that it is expedient to do so, having regard to offences which—
(a)have been committed in connection with the activities in respect of which the authorisation was given, or
(b)are reasonably suspected to have been so committed,
he may direct that the authorisation shall continue in force for a further twenty-four hours.
(5)If an inspector gives an authorisation under subsection (3) , he must, as soon as it is practicable to do so, cause an officer of or above the rank of superintendent to be informed.
[F26(6)Any authorisation under this section—
(a)shall be in writing and signed by the officer giving it; and
(b)shall specify—
(i)the grounds on which it is given;
(ii)the locality in which the powers conferred by this section are exercisable;
(iii)the period during which those powers are exercisable;
and a direction under subsection (4) shall also be given in writing or, where that is not practicable, recorded in writing as soon as it is practicable to do so.]
[F26(6)Subject to subsection (6A), an authorisation under subsection (3)—
(a)shall be in writing and signed by the officer giving it; and
(b)shall specify—
(i)the grounds on which it is given;
(ii)the locality in which the powers conferred by this section are exercisable; and
(iii)the period during which those powers are exercisable.
(6A)An authorisation under subsection (3) need not be given in writing where it is not practicable to do so but any oral authorisation—
(a)must state the matters which would otherwise have to be specified under subsection (6); and
(b)must be recorded in writing as soon as it is practicable to do so.
(6B)A direction under subsection (4) shall be given in writing or, where that is not practicable, recorded in writing as soon as it is practicable to do so.]
(7)A person who fails to remove an item worn by him when required to do so by a constable in the exercise of his power under this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or both.
(8)The preceding provisions of this section, so far as they relate to an authorisation by a member of the British Transport Police Force (including one who for the time being has the same powers and privileges as a member of a police force for a police area), shall have effect as if references to a locality or to a locality in his police area were references to any locality in or in the vicinity of any policed premises, or to the whole or any part of any such premises.
(9)In this section [F27“British Transport Police Force”] and “policed premises” each has the same meaning as in section 60.
(10)The powers conferred by this section are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any power otherwise conferred.
(11)This section does not extend to Scotland.]
Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F25S. 60AA inserted (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 94(1), 127(2)(d)
F26Ss. 60AA(6)-(6B) substituted for s. 60AA(6) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 120, 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 28
F27S. 60AA: definition of "British Transport Police Force" ceases to have effect (1.7.2004) by virtue of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, (c. 20), ss. 73, 120, {Sch. 5 para. 4(1)(b)(2)(f)} (with s. 72); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(ddd)(jjj)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C3Ss. 60, 60AA amended (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, (c. 20), ss. 73, 120, {Sch. 5 para. 4(1)(a)(2)(f)} (with s. 72); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(ddd)(jjj)
(1)Any things seized by a constable under section 60 [F29or 60AA] may be retained in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State under this section.
(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations regulating the retention and safe keeping, and the disposal and destruction in prescribed circumstances, of such things.
(3)Regulations under this section may make different provisions for different classes of things or for different circumstances.
(4)The power to make regulations under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]
Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F28S. 60A inserted (1.3.1999) by 1998 c. 37, s. 26 (with Sch. 9); S.I. 1998/3263, art. 4
F29Words in s. 60A(1) inserted (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 94(2), 127(2)(d)
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Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F30S. 60B inserted (1.3.1999) by 1998 c. 37, s. 27(2) (with Sch. 9); S.I. 1998/3263, art. 4
F31S. 60B repealed (S.) (25.1.2018) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 1), s. 117(2), sch. 2 para. 10; S.S.I. 2017/345, art. 3, sch.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife more than once.
It is illegal to:
Lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public without good reason. Lock knives:
It is illegal to bring into the UK, sell, hire, lend or give anyone the following:
Contact your local police to check if a knife or weapon is illegal.
Examples of good reasons to carry a knife or weapon in public can include:
A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife or a weapon if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.
Last updated: 3 March 2017