Knives and pepper spray in Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In the Northern Territory carrying a knife or axe in a public place or school without a lawful excuse is an offence, and self-defence is not a lawful excuse. Flick knives and other listed knives are prohibited weapons. OC spray is a prohibited weapon except for eligible adults under a trial running to 31 December 2026.

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesA knife or axe that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon. A person must not, without lawful excuse (proof of which is on the person), possess, carry or use a controlled weapon in a public place or school (maximum 200 penalty units or 12 months' imprisonment for an individual), and must carry it in a safe and secure manner. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public placesA flick knife (blade concealed when folded and opened by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device), a butterfly knife, and a knife whose blade is concealed by a sheath that retracts into the handle are prohibited weapons. [2]
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesA fixed blade knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon and is covered by the public place and school offence. Throwing blades, push knives, trench knives, non-metal or ceramic knives and several other knife types are prohibited weapons. [1]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesAn article designed or adapted to discharge oleoresin capsicum spray is a prohibited weapon. A trial extended to 31 December 2026 allows eligible members of the public aged 18 or over to purchase, possess, carry and use OC spray for self-defence, bought in store from declared firearms dealers with a signed buyer declaration. [3]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesLawful excuse includes the pursuit of lawful employment or duty, taking part in lawful sport, recreation, entertainment or activity, and the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons. It does not include self-defence. [1]
Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public placesA flick knife, being a knife designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by gravity, centrifugal force or by pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle, is a prohibited weapon. [2]
Blade length limitsCarrying in public placesThe definition of controlled weapon (a knife or axe other than a prohibited weapon) and section 7 set no blade-length threshold. [1]
Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public placesUnder the trial, eligible members of the public must not carry OC spray in a manner that exposes it to public view, or more than 2 cans at one time. [3]

Notes

  • The Weapons Control Act 2001 text read is stated as in force at 3 May 2024; later amendments were not checked.
  • The trial began on 1 September 2025 and, according to NT Police, has been extended to 31 December 2026. Outside the trial OC spray remains a prohibited weapon.

Sources

  1. Northern Territory Government (Parliamentary Counsel): Weapons Control Act 2001 (as in force at 3 May 2024) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services: Weapons Control Regulations - Schedule 2 Prohibited weapons (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services: OC Spray trial (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Northern Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Hire e-scooters only (Beam) · Minimum age: 18 (hire e-scooters)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; up to 50 g may get an infringement notice · Growing at home: Banned; up to 2 plants may get a notice
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 60 km/h (many towns 50 km/h or less) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 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: 16 years 6 months (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prohibited drug in body is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on 1 July (Territory Day) only · Minimum age to buy: 18+
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, for up to 3 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or approval
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 16 · Licence: Class R (VM: moped only)
  • 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: Hand-held banned; L/P: any phone
  • 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
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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: 0.05% (low range) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

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