According to the draft law, among other things, knives cannot be carried within easy reach in local areas and events. Otherwise there is a risk of a fine of up to 3,600 euros.
About a month ago, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) announced the development of a legislative proposal for a general ban on weapons (especially knives) in public places. Now a corresponding draft for a “law banning the carrying of knives” has been prepared. To date, authorities can issue gun restriction zones only in a few locations, such as most recently at Rumannplatze in Vienna-Favouriten.
The April 11 draft, which was published by the Interior Ministry on Wednesday, bans carrying all types of knives in recreation, in local areas, in built-up areas, in parks and sports facilities, with some exceptions . Prohibited in parks, at events, on public transportation, educational and child care facilities. A violation is an administrative offense punishable by a fine of up to 3,600 euros or a prison sentence of up to six weeks.
Not available, not prohibited
However, it is not prohibited to carry a knife from one place to another if it is not within reach. Weapon ownership card holders and people who are permitted to carry a firearm (hunters, military OBH members) are also exempted from the new regulation.
Since blade length is not relevant to the restriction, so-called Swiss knives will no longer be allowed to be carried in pants and therefore within easy reach, even if their blade length is 5.5 centimeters. Here too, transportation should be done in a container, such as a bag or backpack. The situation is different when, for example, “deer catchers” with a blade length of 20 centimeters or more are taken to the fair in traditional lederhosen, the Ministry of the Interior informed – because in this case it is not necessary to maintain customs. This is the case and hence a further exception.
Other special cases include professional practices, such as food preparation and consumption, as well as sports, maintaining customs, historical parades, historical events or film production/theatre, as well as recognized educational purposes (Boy Scouts, school ), where carrying knives should remain permitted. It is still possible to sell knives in markets and trade fairs. Firearms rules remain unchanged. (APA)