Knives and pepper spray in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Illinois makes it unlawful to sell, manufacture, purchase, possess or carry a switchblade or ballistic knife, with exceptions for Firearm Owner's Identification Card holders and the trade for switchblades. Carrying a dagger, dirk or dangerous knife is an offence only with intent to use it unlawfully, and there is no blade-length limit. Non-lethal spray designed solely for personal defence may be carried by a person 18 or older.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The weapons section has no folding-knife rule. Carrying or possessing a dagger, dirk or dangerous knife with intent to use it unlawfully against another is unlawful use of weapons, a Class A misdemeanour. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing or carrying a switchblade knife (a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle) or a ballistic knife is unlawful use of weapons, a Class A misdemeanour. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying or possessing a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto with intent to use it unlawfully against another is unlawful use of weapons, a Class A misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Carrying on or about the person or in a vehicle a tear gas gun projector or any object containing noxious liquid gas or substance is unlawful, other than an object containing a non-lethal noxious liquid, gas or substance designed solely for personal defence carried by a person 18 or older. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The switchblade ban does not apply to a person with a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card or to a person or entity in the business of selling or manufacturing switchblade knives. Crossbows, compound bows and underwater spearguns are exempt from the definition of ballistic knife. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing or carrying a switchblade knife (a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle) is unlawful use of weapons, a Class A misdemeanour. The ban does not apply to a holder of a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card or to a business selling or manufacturing switchblades; ballistic knives are banned outright. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Section 24-1 sets no blade-length limit. Carrying a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife, razor or stiletto is an offence only with intent to use it unlawfully against another. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Only a person 18 or older may carry an object containing a non-lethal noxious liquid, gas or substance, and only if it is designed solely for personal defence. Section 24-1 sets no container-size limit or permit requirement. [2] |
Notes
- The dagger, dirk and dangerous knife offence applies only when the person carries or possesses the knife with intent to use it unlawfully against another.
- The exemption applies to a person with a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card issued by the Illinois State Police, or to a person or entity engaged in the business of selling or manufacturing switchblade knives.
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 Unlawful use of weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 Unlawful use of weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 26 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Only with intent to use unlawfully | Banned unless FOID holder or trade | Only with intent to use unlawfully | Allowed 18+ if designed solely for personal defence | FOID holders and the knife trade exempt from switchblade ban |
| Iowa | Only an offence if used in a crime | Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed | Only an offence if used in a crime | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | No general ban; school property barred | No separate rule | Barred on school property | No carry offence; can be a 'deadly weapon' by use | School authorisation; secured in vehicle |
| Kentucky | Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon | No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test | Concealed: only if 21+ or licensed | Not listed as a deadly weapon | Own property; 21+ may carry without licence |
| Michigan | Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned | Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017) | No concealed carry (felony); hunting knife excepted | Allowed (OC up to 18%); no sale to minors | Home, business, own land; hunting knife |
| Missouri | Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Wisconsin | Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban | Any knife excluded | Any knife excluded | Allowed; under 18 forfeiture | Self-defence use exempt |
More rules in Illinois
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (15 in alleys) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (initial licensing phase) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permitted displays only)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (age 18+)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free or one-button)
- 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: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.