Knives and pepper spray in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Arizona a pocket knife is excluded from the offences for carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Carrying another concealed deadly weapon is an offence only in a felony, when failing to answer an officer accurately, or if under 21. No knife, including a switchblade, is a prohibited weapon, and there is no statewide blade-length limit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A pocket knife concealed on the person or within immediate control in or on a means of transportation is excluded from the concealed deadly weapon offences in A.R.S. 13-3102(A)(1) and (A)(2). [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The exclusion in 13-3102 is for a 'pocket knife'. The sections read do not treat locking, one-handed or automatic knives differently. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a concealed deadly weapon other than a pocket knife is an offence only (a) in furtherance of a serious offence, violent crime or other felony, (b) when contacted by an officer and failing to answer accurately whether one is carrying one, or (c) if the person is under 21. A deadly weapon is anything designed for lethal use. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The under-21 offence does not apply to a person in the person's dwelling, on business premises, or on real property owned or leased by the person or by the person's parent, grandparent or legal guardian. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | No knife, including a switchblade, is on Arizona's list of prohibited weapons. Carrying any deadly weapon other than a pocket knife concealed is subject to the general concealed-carry rules. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Neither the weapons definitions nor the misconduct-involving-weapons section sets a blade length; the concealed-carry offences exclude a 'pocket knife', which is not defined. [2] |
Notes
- The statutes read do not define 'pocket knife'.
- The sections read (13-3101 and 13-3102) do not distinguish locking, one-handed or automatic knives.
- No pepper spray rule was found in the Arizona sections read (13-3101 and 13-3102). Other statutes were not read.
Sources
- Arizona State Legislature: Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3102 Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 13-3101: Definitions (weapons and explosives) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Concealed pocket knife not an offence | No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined | Concealed: offence only if felony, lying or under 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under 21: not an offence at home or own land |
| California | Dagger only if blade exposed and locked | Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK | Concealed carry banned | Allowed for adults: aerosol, max 2.5 oz | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | Concealed deadly weapon barred; knives not named | Auto-opening knives barred | Concealed carry of deadly weapon barred | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, officers, licence; school list |
| Nevada | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | Banned on school and child care property | No concealed carry without sheriff's permit | Allowed (aerosol up to 2 fl oz) | Sheriff's permit; officers exempt |
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (class G licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- 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 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.