Knives and pepper spray in Indiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Indiana Code Title 35 (2022 edition) has no general offence of carrying a knife and no blade-length limit; switchblades are not banned, but knives that eject a detachable blade are. Knives intended as weapons are banned on school property unless authorised or secured in a vehicle. There is no specific offence of carrying pepper spray, and no age or permit rule for it.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The Indiana Code, Title 35 (2022 edition), has no offence of carrying a folding knife as such. The knife offences in Title 35 are IC 35-47-5-2 (a knife with a detachable blade that can be ejected as a projectile) and IC 35-47-5-2.5 (a knife on school property). [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Indiana Code Title 35 does not distinguish locking or one-handed knives. The only knife types it names are a knife with a detachable blade ejected as a projectile (IC 35-47-5-2) and, for school property, a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade or gravity knife (IC 35-47-5-2.5). [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | IC 35-47-5-2.5 makes it a Class B misdemeanour to possess a knife on school property, a school bus or a special purpose bus. 'Knife' means a sharp edged or pointed blade intended to be used as a weapon. Title 35 has no other rule on carrying fixed blades. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The school property offence does not apply if the knife is provided or authorised by the school corporation and used for an authorised purpose, or if the knife is secured in a motor vehicle. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Indiana Code Title 35 has no general ban on switchblade or gravity knives. Only a knife with a detachable blade ejected as a projectile by gas, a spring or another device is banned (Class B misdemeanour). A switchblade or gravity knife intended as a weapon may not be possessed on school property or a school bus. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Indiana Code Title 35 sets no blade-length limit for carrying a knife. The knife offences it contains concern knives with an ejectable blade and knives intended as weapons on school property. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Indiana Code Title 35 has no offence of carrying pepper spray as such. A chemical substance is a 'deadly weapon' if, in the manner it is used, could ordinarily be used or is intended to be used, it is readily capable of causing serious bodily injury. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Indiana Code Title 35 sets no minimum age or permit for pepper spray. A tear gas device designed to be carried on the person that contains no more than half an ounce of chemical is excluded from 'dangerous gas' in the definition of a bomb. [1] |
Notes
- The text read is the 2022 edition of Indiana Code Title 35; later amendments were not checked. Local ordinances may differ.
Sources
- Indiana Legislative Services Agency (published by the Indiana Government Center, IPAC): Indiana Code 2022, Title 35 Criminal Law and Procedure (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Indiana and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Ohio | Not a weapon unless used as one | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence only if used as a weapon | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: work risk, fear of attack, home |
More rules in Indiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class B misdemeanour) · Growing at home: No (criminal offence)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban residential)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (sold by certified retailers)
- 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 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.