Knives and pepper spray in Italy (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Italy punishes carrying sharp or pointed blades over 8 cm, or locking or one-hand folding blades of 5 cm or more, without a justified reason. Pepper sprays must meet the technical limits of a 2011 decree.

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesCarrying outside the home, without a justified reason, a folding blade of 5 cm or more with one edge and a sharp point is punishable by 6 months to 3 years in prison if it locks or opens with one hand. Other sharp or pointed tools suited to causing injury are also banned without a justified reason. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public placesA folding blade of 5 cm or more with one edge and a sharp point that has a locking mechanism or opens with one hand is covered by the offence. Prison sentence of 6 months to 3 years. [1]
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesCarrying a sharp or pointed blade longer than 8 cm outside the home without a justified reason is punishable by 6 months to 3 years in prison. [1]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesSelf-defence sprays based on oleoresin capsicum must hold at most 20 ml, at most 10% oleoresin capsicum and 2.5% capsaicinoids, be sealed with a safety device and have a range of at most 3 m. Products that do not comply remain under arms law. [2]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesCarrying such objects outside the home is banned without a justified reason (giustificato motivo). The law does not define the term. [1]

Notes

  • Shorter or non-locking blades can still be covered by the general ban on sharp or pointed tools suited to causing injury, depending on the circumstances.
  • The decree sets technical requirements. It does not itself set a carrying rule or a minimum age.

Sources

  1. Normattiva: Legge 18 aprile 1975, n. 110 – Art. 4 Porto di armi od oggetti atti ad offendere (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Normattiva: Decreto 12 maggio 2011, n. 103 – strumenti di autodifesa spray a base di oleoresin capsicum (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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