Arms Prohibition On Trains, Buses, and Stations Begins Thursday
Starting on Thursday, July 17, 2020, Berlin has introduced new regulations aimed at increasing public safety and reducing violent crimes, particularly those involving knives. These regulations apply to all public areas, including trains, buses, stations, and stops.
Under the new rules, carrying knives with blades longer than a legally specified length, or knives classified as prohibited weapons, is generally banned in public places. However, certain exceptions apply for professional purposes, traditional cultural uses, or sporting activities, provided the knives are transported in a safe and non-accessible manner.
The regulations also prohibit the carrying of firearms, including flare guns or guns equipped with blanks, without special authorization or a legitimate reason. Irritant sprays such as tear gas are also prohibited under these new regulations.
Officers are now permitted to check anyone for weapons, regardless of specific suspicion. If a weapon is discovered during a check, officers may issue a fine of up to €10,000. It's essential to note that the new regulations do not provide for designated prohibited zones.
There is an exception for carrying a knife "in connection with a generally recognised purpose." For instance, customers may use knives as cutlery while eating in public areas, and it is acceptable to carry a knife if it remains in packaging or is securely stored. Carrying a knife to cut a birthday cake or a watermelon in Berlin's public parks is also considered an exception, though the scope of this clause is not clearly defined.
The Berlin police have been granted far-reaching new powers under the regulation to enforce these stricter weapons regulations. Enforcement is strict in public transit environments to deter and mitigate risks associated with knife crimes.
These new regulations are part of broader efforts by Berlin and German authorities to respond to terrorism threats and violent crime incidents involving knives, which have increased public concern following attacks in 2020 and later years. For exact legal language and the full range of exemptions, individuals should consult the specific Berlin weapons law (Waffengesetz) amendments enacted on that date, as well as guidance issued by public transport authorities and police.
In summary, the new regulations prohibit the carrying of most knives and weapons openly or concealed in public transit areas in Berlin, with narrowly defined exceptions, aiming to increase public safety and reduce violent crime risks.
In light of the new regulations, policy-and-legislation concerning the prohibition of certain weapons like knives with longer blades and firearms has been implemented in Berlin's public areas such as trains, buses, stations, and stops. These new rules also extend to general-news topics like terrorism threats and violent crime incidents involving knives, underscoring the politics behind the enactment of stricter crime-and-justice measures.
