Knives and pepper spray in Victoria (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: In Victoria a knife that is not prohibited is a controlled weapon that may not be possessed or carried without a lawful excuse, and self-defence is not one. Flick knives, butterfly knives, daggers, swords, machetes and capsicum spray are prohibited weapons needing an approval or exemption.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon. A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without a lawful excuse. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A flick knife, being a knife whose blade is concealed when folded into the handle and that opens by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device in the handle, is a prohibited weapon. Butterfly knives are also prohibited. Chief Commissioner's Approval or a Governor in Council Exemption Order is needed to possess prohibited weapons. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A fixed blade knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon and needs a lawful excuse to carry. Daggers, swords, machetes and several other bladed articles are prohibited weapons that need Chief Commissioner's Approval or a Governor in Council exemption. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | An article designed or adapted to emit or discharge an offensive, noxious or irritant liquid, powder, gas or chemical to cause disability, incapacity or harm, including capsicum spray, is a prohibited weapon. It is covered by Governor in Council exemptions for government employees such as police and prison officers; private security licence holders have no exemption for oleoresin capsicum spray. Self-protection or self-defence is not a lawful excuse. [2] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | Lawful excuses include pursuing lawful employment, duty or activity, taking part in lawful sport, recreation or entertainment, and the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons. For dangerous articles, using the article for its intended purpose is also a lawful excuse. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | A flick knife, which opens by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle, is a prohibited weapon. It is still a flick knife if the blade is partially visible when closed. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | The Victoria Police pages set no blade-length threshold for knives as controlled weapons. Machetes (large broad-bladed cutting knives), swords and daggers are prohibited weapons. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Victoria Police sets no container-size or age threshold: any article designed or adapted to emit an offensive, noxious or irritant liquid, powder, gas or chemical to cause disability, incapacity or harm, including capsicum spray, is a prohibited weapon. Governor in Council exemptions cover state and federal government employees such as police and prison officers; private security licence holders have no exemption for oleoresin capsicum spray. [2] |
Sources
- Victoria Police: Weapons definitions (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Victoria Police: List of prohibited weapons (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Victoria
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · 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, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ 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: Mounted/built-in only; 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: One per level, plus by 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.