Knives and pepper spray in Norway (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Police say it is not allowed to carry a knife or similar object in a public place without a legitimate purpose. Pepper spray and similar self-defence agents and spring knives are listed by the police as banned weapons, with a maximum penalty of two years in prison (six in serious cases).

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesIt is not allowed to carry a knife or similar objects in a public place without a legitimate purpose (aktverdig formål), under section 189 of the Penal Code. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places⚠ Not yet verified
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesIt is not allowed to carry a knife or similar objects in a public place without a legitimate purpose (aktverdig formål), under section 189 of the Penal Code. [1]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesPepper spray and other self-defence agents that work in roughly the same way are banned weapons. The maximum penalty for having illegal weapons is two years in prison, and six years in serious cases. [2]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesThe ban applies to carrying a knife or similar object in a public place without a legitimate purpose (aktverdig formål). The sources read do not list which purposes qualify. [1]
Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public placesSpring knives (springkniver) are listed by the police as banned weapons; the maximum penalty for illegal weapons is two years in prison, and six in serious cases. [2]
Blade length limitsCarrying in public places⚠ Not yet verified
Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Stated by the police for knives and similar objects generally; no separate rule for folding knives was read.
  • No official source read on locking or one-handed knives.
  • Listed by the police among banned weapons; no permit route for private individuals was read.
  • Examples of qualifying purposes were not found in an official source.
  • Also listed as banned: electroshock weapons, batons, knuckledusters, throwing stars and karate sticks.
  • No blade-length limit was found in an official source.

Sources

  1. Politiet: Politiet (Råd til deg som skal til Oslo i forbindelse med gravferden, 7 September 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Politiet: Ofte stilte spørsmål om våpenlovene (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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