Knives and pepper spray in Maine (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maine has no specific switchblade offence and no statewide blade-length limit; its former section on dangerous knives was repealed in 2015. Disabling chemicals such as pepper spray are exempt from the concealed-weapon ban, but using them on another person is a crime unless it is lawful non-deadly force in defence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Title 17-A chapter 43 has no offence of carrying folding knives (section 1055 is repealed). Title 25 section 2001-A(1)(B) bars wearing under the clothes or concealing about the person a bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defence of a person, unless excepted by law. An ordinary folding knife is not named, and whether one falls under 'other dangerous or deadly weapon' was not interpreted here. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The former section on possession or distribution of dangerous knives, 17-A M.R.S. §1055, was repealed by PL 2015, c. 23. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Title 25 section 2001-A(1)(B) bars wearing under the clothes or concealing about the person a bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defence of a person, unless excepted by law; displaying one in a threatening manner is barred by (1)(A). Knives used to hunt, fish or trap are exempt. Title 17-A chapter 43 lists no other offence of carrying fixed-blade knives. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Maine has no specific switchblade offence since its section on dangerous knives (17-A s. 1055) was repealed. The concealed-weapon ban in Title 25 s. 2001-A covers bowie knives, dirks, stilettos and other dangerous or deadly weapons usually employed in attack or defence. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No statewide blade-length limit: neither Title 25 s. 2001-A (concealed weapons) nor Title 17-A chapter 43 (weapons) sets one. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Disabling chemicals such as chemical mace are exempt from the concealed-weapon ban. Using them on another person is a Class D crime unless it is for defending a person or premises or protecting property, as allowed for non-deadly force. [1] |
Notes
- Read from Title 25 section 2001-A and Title 17-A chapter 43. The penalty, court interpretations of 'dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defence of a person', local ordinances and place-specific rules were not checked.
- Based on the section headings of Title 17-A, chapter 43. Other chapters, local ordinances and place-specific rules (for example schools) were not checked.
Sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 25, s. 2001-A: Threatening display of or carrying concealed weapon (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 17-A, §1055: Possession or distribution of dangerous knives (REPEALED) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Maine and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Concealed 'dangerous' knives barred; folding not named | Former "dangerous knife" ban repealed (2015) | Concealed bowie knife, dirk, stiletto barred | Concealed carry allowed; misuse is a crime | — |
| New Hampshire | Knives not named in the carry offence | Not named in the carry offence | No carry ban; courthouse ban applies | No carry restriction; criminal use punished | — |
More rules in Maine
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 mature, 12 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 45 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (with driver education) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2 and 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 2 and 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed stores; 21+) · Minimum age to buy: 21
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.10 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed, drivers 18+ with full licence
- 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 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00 (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.