§ 46303. Carrying a weapon

• (a) An individual who, when on, or attempting to board, an aircraft in, or intended for operation in, air transportation or intrastate air transportation, has on or about the individual or the property of the individual a concealed dangerous weapon that is or would be accessible to the individual in flight is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation.
• (b)
  • (1) The Secretary of Homeland Security may compromise the amount of a civil penalty imposed under subsection (a) of this section.
  • (2) The Government may deduct the amount of a civil penalty imposed or compromised under this section from amounts it owes the individual liable for the penalty.
• (c) This section does not apply to—
  • (1) a law enforcement officer of a State or political subdivision of a State, or an officer or employee of the Government, authorized to carry arms in an official capacity; or
  • (2) another individual the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration or the Secretary of Homeland Security by regulation authorizes to carry arms in an official capacity.