Knives and pepper spray in Alabama (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Since 1 January 2023 Alabama's concealed-carry offence in section 13A-11-50 covers firearms and no longer mentions knives, and no offence aimed at switchblades was found. Selling or lending a bowie knife or similar knife to a minor is an offence. Carrying a deadly weapon on school premises with intent to do bodily harm is a felony, with exceptions for police, school security officers and pistol-permit holders. Using pepper spray in a crime is a Class C felony; no size, age or permit rule was found.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 13A-11-50 makes carrying a pistol or other firearm concealed about the person or in a vehicle a Class B misdemeanour. Since Act 2022-133 (in force 1 January 2023) the section no longer mentions knives, and a search of the Code for knife terms found no other offence of carrying a folding knife. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The Code of Alabama does not treat locking or one-handed knives differently. 'Deadly weapon' in section 13A-1-2 names a switch-blade knife, gravity knife, stiletto, sword or dagger as examples, but no offence of carrying one in public was found. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Section 13A-11-57 makes it an offence to sell, give or lend a bowie knife or other knife of like kind to a minor, punishable by a fine of $50 to $500. It does not apply to a transfer of title by inheritance. [3] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Section 13A-6-27 makes criminal use of a defense spray (pepper spray, foam or any other self-defence chemical spray) a Class C felony when it is used against another person in the commission of a crime or against a law enforcement officer performing official duties. A search of the Code for pepper spray, tear gas and mace found no provision restricting carrying one. [4] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Alabama has no offence aimed at switchblades: a switch-blade knife and a gravity knife appear only as examples of a 'deadly weapon' in the Code definitions. A full-text search of the Code for these terms found no ban or carry rule. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | No container-size, age or permit rule was found: a full-text search of the Code for 'pepper spray' and 'defense spray' returns only section 13A-6-27, which makes using a defence spray in a crime or against an officer on duty a Class C felony. [4] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | There is no general knife-carry offence. The offence of carrying a deadly weapon on school premises with intent to do bodily harm (a Class C felony) does not apply to authorised school security staff and school resource officers, law enforcement officers or holders of a pistol permit under section 13A-11-75. [5] |
Sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama): Code of Alabama 13A-11-50 Carrying Concealed Weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama): Code of Alabama 13A-1-2 Definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama): Code of Alabama 13A-11-57 Selling, Etc., Pistol or Bowie Knife to Minor (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama): Code of Alabama 13A-6-27 Use of Pepper Spray, Etc. (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature: Code of Alabama s. 13A-11-72: Certain persons forbidden to possess firearm (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Alabama and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Firearms only; no knife carry offence read | No separate rule | No sale to minors; no carry offence read | No carry ban read; use in a crime is a felony | School ban exempts police, school officers, permit holders |
| Florida | Common pocketknife is not a 'weapon' | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: OK if licence-eligible, else misdemeanour | Allowed: up to 2 oz, for self-defence | No offence when evacuating; schools restricted |
| Georgia | Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' | No separate rule | Over 12 in: lawful weapons carrier only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, business; hunting and fishing |
| Mississippi | Concealed carry of listed knives is an offence | Switchblade: no concealed carry | Concealed carry banned; visible sheath not concealed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, vehicle; sports activity |
| Tennessee | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014 | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Alabama
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class A misdemeanor) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Stage II restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Stage I learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (younger with an adult)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage law · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (offence needs erratic driving) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.