Tightened Controls: Multitool Inclusion in German Firearms Regulations
In Germany, the legality of carrying multitools while commuting to and from work can be a bit of a grey area. This is due to the jurisdiction problem that arises on the way to work, with the decision lying with the respective authorities on the ground.
According to Section 42A of the German Weapons law (WaffG), items that look like weapons, weapons for cutting and thrusting, single-hand knives, or fixed knives with a blade longer than 12 cm are prohibited in public. However, multitools, especially those without locking blades or with blades shorter than 12 cm, are generally allowed in public, including during commuting.
Technicians and tradesmen, such as event technicians, are usually permitted to carry multitools on their belts while traveling to and from work without requiring a closed container. This is because multitools are often considered work tools.
However, it's important to note that if a multitool has a locking blade longer than 12 cm or features that classify it as a prohibited weapon, it must be carried in a closed container or not carried in public at all.
Employers or event venues might have additional rules restricting visible tools for safety reasons, but these would be organizational rather than legal requirements.
The use of multitools at events, shows, or construction sites is unproblematic. The assessment of whether an exemption from the law applies is based on the circumstances of the individual case.
Multitools whose blades can be opened and locked with a single hand can be considered single-hand knives and are not allowed to be carried openly in public. Asking the responsible authorities for permission to carry the multitool on the way to work on the belt can help avoid any unwanted encounters with the police.
It's safer to put the multitool in a toolbox when in public to avoid any issues with the police. Section 42A Abs. 3 WaffG states that a legitimate interest allows event technicians and tradesmen to carry multitools for their profession.
In Germany, multitools can fall under laws governing weapons due to their potential to function as single-hand knives. However, as long as the multitool complies with blade length and locking mechanism restrictions under the Weapons Act, carrying it openly on a belt while commuting to or from work is generally legal. They do not necessarily need to keep them in a closed container unless the tool exceeds legal limits or local rules apply.
It's also worth noting that picking up and returning routes or trips to the customer, even if they are interrupted, can be considered within the scope of the activity. This means that, in many cases, event technicians and tradesmen may be able to carry their multitools openly while traveling to and from work or job sites.
The German Police Union states that all kinds of single-hand knives, including multifunction knives, are subject to these restrictions. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the multitool being carried complies with the regulations to avoid any legal issues.
In summary, while the legal situation regarding carrying multitools on the way to work is murky, event technicians and tradesmen in Germany can generally carry multitools openly on their belts while commuting, provided the multitool complies with blade length and locking mechanism restrictions under the Weapons Act. They do not necessarily need to keep them in a closed container unless the tool exceeds legal limits or local rules apply.
Technology and gadgets play a significant role in the lives of event technicians and tradesmen in Germany. For instance, multitools, which can be seen as work tools, are often utilized and carried daily. However, it's crucial for these individuals to ensure their multitools abide by the regulations set forth by the German Weapons Act (WaffG), such as having blades shorter than 12 cm and not locking with a single hand. This is to avoid any mistaken encounters with law enforcement, as multitools can be classified as weapons due to their potential functionality as single-hand knives.
