Knives and pepper spray in Australian Capital Territory (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: In the ACT having a knife in a public place or school without reasonable excuse is an offence, and self-defence alone is not a reasonable excuse. Flick knives, butterfly knives and defence sprays including pepper spray are prohibited weapons needing a permit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A person must not, without reasonable excuse, have a knife in their possession in a public place or school (maximum 10 penalty units, 6 months' imprisonment, or both). [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A flick knife (blade folded or recessed into the handle that opens automatically by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device) and a butterfly knife or balisong are prohibited weapons. Possessing or using one without a permit or other authorisation is an offence (maximum 500 penalty units, 5 years' imprisonment, or both). [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A fixed blade knife is covered by the offence of having a knife in a public place or school without reasonable excuse. Some bladed articles are prohibited weapons needing a permit, for example daggers that can be concealed with a double-edged flat blade or needle-like blade, and blades, knives or axes made or modified to be thrown. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A thing made or intended as a defence or antipersonnel spray that can discharge an irritant in liquid, powder, gas or chemical form, including oleoresin capsicum (OC), is a prohibited weapon. Possessing or using one without a permit or other authorisation is an offence (maximum 500 penalty units, 5 years' imprisonment, or both). [2] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | Reasonable excuses include possession necessary or reasonable for the lawful pursuit of occupation, preparing or consuming food, taking part in lawful entertainment, recreation or sport, exhibiting knives for trade, organised exhibitions by knife collectors, wearing an official uniform and religious purposes. Self-defence or defence of another person alone is not a reasonable excuse. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | A flick knife or similar device with a blade folded or recessed into the handle that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle is a prohibited weapon. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Section 382 sets no blade-length threshold for the offence of having a knife in a public place or school without reasonable excuse. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | The Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 sets no container-size threshold: any defence or antipersonnel spray that can discharge an irritant, including oleoresin capsicum (OC), is a prohibited weapon. The registrar may issue a permit authorising possession or use, subject to conditions. [2] |
Sources
- ACT Government (ACT Parliamentary Counsel): Crimes Act 1900 (republication 155, effective 23 February 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- ACT Government (ACT Parliamentary Counsel): Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 (republication 23, effective 26 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Australian Capital Territory
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
- Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
- Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.