Berlin Implements Knife Ban on Public Transport to Combat Violence

In a bid to curb rising incidents of violence involving knives, the Berlin government has enacted a comprehensive ban on knives and other weapons across all forms of public transportation, including S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, buses, and trams. This regulation is set to take effect on July 17, 2025, following a decision made by the Berlin Senate, which is comprised of members from the CDU and SPD.

The legal foundation for this ban is established under Paragraph 42, Section 5 of the Weapons Act, which empowers state governments to prohibit the carrying of weapons and knives in specific areas. The ban encompasses various types of knives, including folding knives and switchblades, as well as other weapons such as blank-firing guns and pepper spray.

The regulation applies not only to the vehicles themselves but also to public transport facilities, including train stations and platforms. Notably, there will not be specific signage indicating the ban, but compliance will be enforced by law enforcement agencies.

Exceptions to the ban are made for certain professions. Members of the police and fire services, as well as chefs and other culinary professionals, are allowed to carry knives necessary for their work. Additionally, knives that are newly purchased and still in their packaging can be transported without issue. However, those who possess a Small Weapon Permit will still be subject to this prohibition.

The move comes in response to a marked increase in knife-related crimes within the city. Berlin's Interior Senator emphasized the need for this action, declaring that weapons have no place in public spaces or on public transport. The new regulation aims to send a strong message against the presence of knives in everyday environments.

Law enforcement will benefit from this new legal framework, allowing officers to conduct checks for weapons without needing specific suspicions of wrongdoing. Previously, such actions were restricted. If weapons or prohibited items are discovered, they can be confiscated by police.

Violating the knife ban will be classified as an administrative offense, subjecting offenders to monetary fines. In cases of repeated violations, there is potential for driving licenses to be revoked, particularly if it raises concerns about the individual's suitability to operate a vehicle.

This legislation builds on existing knife and weapon bans that have been in place in certain areas, such as Görlitzer Park and Kottbusser Tor, since February. These measures have already led to the seizure of nearly 100 knives and other dangerous objects.

Data from the police indicates a disturbing trend in knife-related incidents across Germany, with Berlin recording 3,412 cases last year, half of which involved threats made with a knife.

As the city prepares for the implementation of this new regulation, authorities hope that it will significantly reduce the prevalence of knife violence and contribute to a safer public transport environment for all residents and visitors.