Knives and pepper spray in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The District of Columbia prohibits carrying any deadly or dangerous weapon and possessing a switchblade knife; the listed exceptions to the carry ban concern firearms. Possessing a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches with intent to use it unlawfully is an offence. A self-defence spray may be possessed and sold if it is an aerosol, labelled and dated; registration is no longer required.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | No section read treats folding knives separately. Carrying 'any deadly or dangerous weapon' on the person, openly or concealed, is prohibited, and possessing a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches with intent to use it unlawfully against another is an offence. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a switchblade knife in the District of Columbia is prohibited. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto or knife with a blade longer than 3 inches with intent to use it unlawfully against another is an offence. Carrying any deadly or dangerous weapon on the person, openly or concealed, is also prohibited. [2] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A person may possess and use a self-defence spray (a mixture of a lacrimator, including oleoresin capsicum) in reasonable defence of person or property only if it is propelled from an aerosol container, labelled with clear instructions and dated to show its useful life. [3] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a switchblade knife anywhere in the District is banned. The exceptions in the same section for the armed forces, police and licensed dealers do not cover switchblades. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Possessing a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches with intent to use it unlawfully against another is an offence. Separately, carrying any deadly or dangerous weapon is banned. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A self-defence spray (oleoresin capsicum or a listed tear-gas agent) must come in an aerosol container, labelled with or accompanied by instructions, and dated with its useful life; no other type may be possessed. Sale is allowed on the same conditions, and the former registration rule is repealed. [3] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The listed exceptions to the carry ban concern firearms: qualified serving and retired law enforcement officers, the armed forces and National Guard on duty, and US officers authorised to carry a firearm. No exception specific to knives is listed. [4] |
Notes
- The sections read do not define 'deadly or dangerous weapon' or list knives in it.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 22-4504 Carrying concealed weapons; possession of weapons during commission of crime of violence; penalty (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 22-4514 Possession of certain dangerous weapons prohibited; exceptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 7-2502.13 Possession of self-defense sprays (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code s. 22-4505: Exceptions to s. 22-4504 (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies | Switchblade: possession banned | Banned with unlawful intent; 'dangerous weapon' ban | Allowed: aerosol, labelled and dated | Exceptions cover firearms only; none for knives |
| Maryland | Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" | Listed weapon; sale or display is banned | Concealed banned; open only if no intent to injure | Allowed; not with intent to injure unlawfully | Reasonable precaution against apprehended danger |
| Virginia | Concealed list; folding knife not named | Not named; "like kind" clause | Concealed carry: Class 1 misdemeanour | Use for protection not barred | Home and own business exempt |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 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, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- 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: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.