Knives and pepper spray in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Colorado makes it a class 1 misdemeanour to carry a knife concealed on or about the person, where a knife is a dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches or another dangerous cutting or stabbing instrument. Switchblades are not banned; only a ballistic knife is an illegal weapon. Carrying in a dwelling, place of business or private vehicle for protection while travelling is not an offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A 'knife' is any dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds, but not a hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use. Carrying a knife concealed on or about the person is a class 1 misdemeanour. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A ballistic knife (a knife with a blade forcefully projected from the handle by a spring-loaded device or explosive charge) is an illegal weapon, and knowingly possessing one is a class 1 misdemeanour. The sections read do not name switchblade or locking knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a knife (a dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches, or another dangerous cutting or stabbing instrument) concealed on or about the person is a class 1 misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | It is not an offence if the person was in the person's own dwelling or place of business or on property the person owns or controls, or in a private vehicle carrying a weapon for lawful protection of person or property while travelling. A hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use is excluded from the definition of a knife, as an affirmative defence. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblades are not named in Colorado's weapons article. Only a ballistic knife, whose blade is projected from the handle by a spring-loaded device or explosive charge, is an 'illegal weapon'; possessing one is a class 1 misdemeanour. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | In Colorado's weapons article a 'knife' is a dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches, or another dangerous cutting or stabbing instrument. A hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use is excluded (an affirmative defence). [2] |
Notes
- This is the 2023 edition of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Later changes were not checked.
- The sections read (18-12-101, 18-12-102 and 18-12-105) do not mention pepper spray. The definition of 'gas gun' covers devices projecting gas-filled projectiles.
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly: Colorado Revised Statutes 2023, Title 18, Article 12 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services: Colorado Revised Statutes 2023, Title 18, Article 12 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | ⚠ Not yet verified | OK at home or business, or in a private vehicle |
| Kansas | Only with intent to use unlawfully | No switchblade or locking-knife rule | Only with intent to use unlawfully | ⚠ Not yet verified | Police, prison staff and armed forces on duty |
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ 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 |
| Oklahoma | Knives not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Self-defence, hunting, fishing, recreation |
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (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 (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- 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 (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 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 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
- 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.