Knives and pepper spray in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In NSW having a knife in a public place or school is an offence unless the person proves a reasonable excuse, and self-defence is not one. Flick knives and defence sprays such as pepper spray are prohibited weapons that need a permit.

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesA person must not have a knife in custody in a public place or school; it is a defence if the person proves a reasonable excuse (maximum 40 penalty units or 4 years' imprisonment, or both). The section does not distinguish folding knives, and "knife" includes any blade. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public placesA flick knife, being a knife whose blade opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle, is a prohibited weapon. Possessing or using one without a permit carries up to 14 years' imprisonment. Other locking or one-handed knives are covered by the general knife offence. [2]
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesHaving a fixed blade knife in custody in a public place or school is covered by the same offence as other knives and is lawful only with a reasonable excuse. Some knife types are prohibited weapons needing a permit, for example push daggers, trench knives, star knives and zombie knives. [1]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesA device designed or intended as a defence or anti-personnel spray that can discharge an irritant, including oleoresin capsicum (OC), is a prohibited weapon. A person must not possess or use a prohibited weapon unless authorised by a permit (maximum 14 years' imprisonment). [2]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesReasonable excuses include what is reasonably necessary for the lawful pursuit of occupation, education or training, preparing or consuming food or drink, lawful entertainment, recreation or sport, trade exhibition, collectors' exhibitions, an official uniform, genuine religious purposes, or travel to or from these. Self-defence or defence of another person is not a reasonable excuse. [1]
Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public placesA flick knife (or similar device) whose blade opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle is a prohibited weapon; possession or use needs a permit. [2]
Blade length limitsCarrying in public placesThe knife custody offence has no blade-length threshold. "Knife" includes a blade (including a razor blade) and excludes only knives of a class prescribed by the regulations. [1]
Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public placesThe Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 sets no container-size threshold: any device designed or intended as a defence or anti-personnel spray that can discharge OC or another listed irritant is a prohibited weapon. A permit is issued by the Commissioner of Police only to a fit and proper person who has completed approved training and can meet storage requirements, and lasts up to 5 years. [2]

Notes

  • Sources are Internet Archive snapshots of the NSW legislation website (Crimes Act 1900 of 19 January 2026; Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 of 6 February 2026); they were not re-read live. The knife offences are in Crimes Act 1900 ss 93IB and 93IC, which replaced Summary Offences Act 1988 ss 11C and 11E.
  • Source is an Internet Archive snapshot of 6 February 2026 of the NSW legislation website, read on 15 October 2026.

Sources

  1. NSW Government (NSW Parliamentary Counsel): Crimes Act 1900 No 40 (Internet Archive snapshot of 19 January 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. NSW Government (NSW Parliamentary Counsel): Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 No 127 (Internet Archive snapshot of 6 February 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • 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: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • 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, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • 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: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.