Knives and pepper spray in California (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In California carrying a dirk or dagger concealed on the person is an offence, and a folding knife counts as one only when its blade is exposed and locked. Carrying, selling or keeping in the driver's or passenger's area of a vehicle a switchblade with a blade of 2 inches or more is a misdemeanour. Adults may possess tear gas for self-defence as an aerosol spray of no more than 2.5 ounces, except people with certain convictions or narcotic addiction.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not a prohibited switchblade, or a pocketknife is treated as a dirk or dagger only if its blade is exposed and locked into position. Carrying a dirk or dagger concealed on the person is an offence. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a switchblade knife with a blade of 2 inches or more on the person, or possessing it in the driver's or passenger's area of a vehicle in a public place, is a misdemeanour. A knife that opens one-handed by thumb pressure on the blade or a thumb stud, with a detent or bias toward closing, is not a switchblade. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a dirk or dagger concealed on the person is punishable by up to one year in county jail. A dirk or dagger is a knife or other instrument, with or without a handguard, capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death. [3] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Any person may purchase, possess or use tear gas or a tear gas weapon for self-defence only. It must be an aerosol spray containing no more than 2.5 ounces, with the required label, and minors, felons, persons convicted of assault and persons addicted to narcotics may not have it. [4] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | For a switchblade knife with a blade of 2 inches or more, carrying it on the person, keeping it in the driver's or passenger's area of a vehicle in a public place, and selling, lending or giving it to another person are misdemeanours. [5] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | The offence of carrying a dirk or dagger concealed has no length threshold. The switchblade offences apply to blades of 2 inches or more. [6] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Only an aerosol spray of no more than 2.5 ounces net weight is allowed, with a warning label and expiry date; projectile devices are banned. People convicted of a felony, an assault or tear gas misuse, and people addicted to narcotics, may not buy, possess or use it. [7] |
Notes
- Section 22810 is written for 'tear gas'. Section 17240 defines that as any liquid, gaseous or solid substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury by being dispersed in the air.
- Section 21310 applies 'except as provided in' Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Penal Code. Those exemptions were not read here.
Sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code, section 16470 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code, section 17235 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code, section 21310 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code, section 22810 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code s. 21510 (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code s. 21310 (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: Penal Code s. 22810 (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 July 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
California and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Oregon | Not named in concealed-carry ban | Concealed spring/gravity blade banned | Concealed dirk or dagger banned | Carrying in public places, Court facilities: Counts as weapon in court facilities | Only peace officers exempt |
More rules in California
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Up to 6 plants, 21+
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (2-lane undivided)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction 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 (state-approved "safe and sane" only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (safe and sane fireworks)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.90 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, age 16+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 16+
- 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.01% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.