Knives and pepper spray in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Rules on carrying knives and pepper spray in public are set by each state and territory and differ between them. No national rule is given here; the individual jurisdictions have not yet been checked.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Carrying knives and pepper spray in public is regulated by each state and territory (weapons and summary offences laws), and the rules differ. Commonwealth rules cover imports only. No official source covering every jurisdiction was read, so no national value is given.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Offence without reasonable excuse | Auto-opening knives prohibited | Offence without reasonable excuse | Prohibited weapon (permit needed) | Work, food, sport, religion; not self-defence |
| Victoria | Controlled weapon; excuse needed | Flick and butterfly knives prohibited | Controlled weapon; some prohibited | Prohibited weapon | Work, sport, collection; not self-defence |
| Queensland | Offence without reasonable excuse | Some one-hand opening knives category M | Offence without reasonable excuse | Category R weapon | Work, sport, religion; not self-defence |
| Western Australia | Offence without lawful excuse | Flick and butterfly knives prohibited | Offence without lawful excuse | Controlled weapon; allowed for lawful defence | Work, sport, collection; defence only for OC spray |
| South Australia | Offence under s 21E (details not read) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence under s 21E (details not read) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tasmania | Offence without lawful excuse | No separate rule | Offence without lawful excuse | ⚠ Not yet verified | Work, sport, collection, religion; not self-defence |
| Australian Capital Territory | Offence without reasonable excuse | Flick and butterfly knives prohibited | Offence without reasonable excuse | Prohibited weapon | Work, food, sport, religion; not self-defence |
| Northern Territory | Offence without lawful excuse | Flick, butterfly and sheath-concealed knives prohibited | Offence without lawful excuse | Prohibited; trial allows eligible adults | Work, sport, collection; not self-defence |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.