Under Penal Code 21310, what is illegal to possess?

• A. A pepper spray
• B. A baton
• C. A metal knuckle
• D. A flashlight

Answer: (C)

Metal knuckles, often called brass knuckles, are illegal to possess in California because they are designed to concentrate the impact of a punch and are listed as a prohibited weapon. Penal Code 21310 makes possession of these metal knuckles unlawful, regardless of intent or where you carry them. The law treats them as a weapon because of their potential for causing serious injury. Other items like a flashlight or pepper spray are not prohibited weapons under this statute (pepper spray has its own restrictions, and flashlights are generally legal), so they do not fall under this specific prohibition.