Knives and pepper spray in Idaho (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Idaho's concealed weapons law lists a dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife or dagger as a deadly weapon but excludes any knife with a blade of six inches or less. Pepper spray and mace are not deadly weapons under the law. Most adults over 18 who are US citizens and not disqualified may carry a concealed deadly weapon without a licence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A knife with a blade of six inches or less, and a knife intended for food processing, preparation or eating, is not a 'deadly weapon' under Idaho Code 18-3302. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Idaho Code 18-3302 does not distinguish locking, one-handed or automatic knives. A knife with a blade of six inches or less is excluded from 'deadly weapon'. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife or dagger is a 'deadly weapon'. Carrying a concealed weapon without a licence is prohibited, but not for a person over 18 who is a US citizen or service member and not disqualified, nor for a weapon in plain view or concealed in a motor vehicle. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | The term 'deadly weapon' does not include any taser, stun gun, pepper spray or mace. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The licence requirement does not apply in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, on property the person owns or leases, on private property with permission, or outside city limits for a person 18 or older who is not disqualified. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | A knife with a blade of six inches or less is not a 'deadly weapon' under the concealed weapons law. A dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife or dagger is a deadly weapon, but a person over 18 who is a US citizen or service member and not disqualified may carry one concealed without a licence. [1] |
Notes
- Idaho statutes are updated on the website on 1 July after each legislative session. Local rules were not checked.
Sources
- Idaho Legislature: Idaho Code 18-3302 Concealed weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Idaho and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' | No separate rule; 6 in blade limit | Concealed: allowed for most adult US citizens | Not a 'deadly weapon' | Home, own property, outside cities, plain view, vehicle |
| Montana | Carry offence covers firearms only | No section on automatic knives listed | No offence for carrying fixed blades listed | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| 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 |
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
| Washington | Allowed unless intimidating or alarming | Spring blade banned; assisted opening not | Furtive concealed dagger or dirk: offence | 18+ (14+ with parental consent) | Home, business, self-defence |
| 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 Idaho
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Illegal; penalties under the Controlled Substances Act · Growing at home: No (illegal to manufacture)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph state hwys; 55 mph other
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (daylight only); full privileges at 16 · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14½ (driver training permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (non-aerial only, set dates)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (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
- 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.