Knives and pepper spray in Georgia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Under the Georgia Code a 'knife' for the weapons-carry offence is a blade greater than 12 inches in length fastened to a handle, designed for offence and defence. Carrying one requires being a lawful weapons carrier unless an exception such as the home, a motor vehicle, a place of business or hunting applies. Shorter blades fall outside the carry offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | In the Georgia weapons-carry part (Code Section 16-11-125.1) a 'knife' means a cutting instrument designed for the purpose of offence and defence consisting of a blade that is greater than 12 inches in length which is fastened to a handle. A knife with a blade of 12 inches or less is therefore not a 'knife' for the carrying offence in section 16-11-126. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Section 16-11-125.1 does not distinguish locking or one-handed knives. The definition of 'knife' turns only on design for offence and defence and a blade greater than 12 inches in length fastened to a handle. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A knife as defined (blade greater than 12 inches fastened to a handle, designed for offence and defence) may not be carried unless the person is a 'lawful weapons carrier', that is, licensed or eligible for a weapons carry license and not otherwise prohibited, or another exception applies. Unlawful carrying is a misdemeanour for a first offence and a felony (two to five years) for a second offence within five years. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | A person not prohibited from possessing a handgun or long gun may have or carry a weapon (a knife or handgun) on his or her property or inside his or her home, motor vehicle or place of business without a license. A person with a hunting or fishing license, or not required to have one, engaged in legal hunting, fishing or sport shooting with the landowner's permission may carry a weapon, and a knife on state recreational or wildlife management areas while doing so. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | For the weapons-carry offence a 'knife' is a cutting instrument designed for offence and defence with a blade greater than 12 inches fastened to a handle. Only such a knife requires the carrier to be a lawful weapons carrier (licensed or eligible for a weapons carry licence) or to fall under an exception. [1] |
Notes
- The text read is Senate Bill 319 as passed in 2022, which revised these Code sections. Later amendments and the separate definition of weapons in school safety zones (section 16-11-127.1) were not read.
- No provision of the Georgia Code on pepper spray was found in the official texts that could be read.
Sources
- Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation, 2022): SB 319/AP, Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021, as passed (amending O.C.G.A. 16-11-125.1 and 16-11-126) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Georgia and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| North Carolina | Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt | Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives" | No concealed carry except on own premises | Self-defence allowed if no felony conviction | Own premises; officers and military |
| South Carolina | No general rule; limits at schools | No separate rule | Felony at schools if blade over 2 in | Self-defence only; max 50 cc | Secured in vehicle: allowed |
| 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 Georgia
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (all other areas)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class D provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Class CP learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed sellers, 18+) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $5.15 per hour (state; federal $7.25)
- 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 · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Minors 8 and older only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- 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.