Knives and pepper spray in Tasmania (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: In Tasmania it is an offence to possess, carry or use a knife or other dangerous article in a public place without a lawful excuse, and self-defence is never a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty is 100 penalty units or 3 years' imprisonment, or both.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A person, without lawful excuse (proof of which lies on the person), must not possess, carry or use a dangerous article, which includes a knife, in a public place. Maximum penalty is a fine of up to 100 penalty units or imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both. Tasmania Police states that pocketknives, multitools, scissors, shears and box cutters are covered. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The Act does not distinguish locking or one-handed knives: any knife is a dangerous article and falls under the same public place offence. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A fixed blade knife is a dangerous article and is covered by the same offence: possession, carrying or use in a public place without lawful excuse. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | A lawful excuse excludes self-defence but includes pursuing a lawful occupation, duty or activity using the article, taking part in lawful sport, recreation or entertainment using it, the lawful collection, display or exhibition of it, use for the lawful purpose for which it was intended, and religious observance. Police officers and persons excluded in writing by the Commissioner are exempt. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | The Police Offences Act 1935 does not distinguish automatic (flick or switchblade) knives: any knife is a dangerous article and falls under the same public place offence, and a person needs a lawful excuse to possess, carry or use it. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Neither the definition of "dangerous article" nor section 15C sets a blade-length threshold for knives. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Only the Police Offences Act 1935 and the Tasmania Police guidance were read; no separate Tasmanian prohibition on automatic knives was found in them.
Sources
- Tasmanian Government (Office of Parliamentary Counsel): Police Offences Act 1935 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Tasmania
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and local roads up to 50 km/h · 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 sealed, 80 km/h gravel
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1 May 2025 · 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): Prescribed illicit drug present is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on Cracker Night (permit) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (permit holder)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent residency: convert within 6 months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registrar approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- MopedsLicence: Motor cycle licence (class R)
- 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/P1: 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: A smoke alarm in every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms.
- 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% · 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.