Knives and pepper spray in Maryland (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maryland bars wearing or carrying a dangerous weapon concealed, and wearing or carrying one openly with intent to injure unlawfully; a switchblade knife is a listed weapon and may not be sold or displayed. A penknife without a switchblade is not a weapon, and no blade-length limit applies. Pepper mace may not be carried with intent to injure unlawfully.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A penknife without a switchblade is excluded from the statutory definition of "weapon". Section 4-101 still bars carrying any dangerous weapon concealed. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A switchblade knife is a listed "weapon". Selling, bartering, displaying or offering to sell a switchblade knife or a shooting knife is a separate offence, punishable by up to 12 months or a fine of $50 to $500. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Dirk knives and bowie knives are listed "weapons". Wearing or carrying a dangerous weapon concealed is prohibited; wearing or carrying one openly is an offence only with intent to injure an individual unlawfully. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Pepper mace (an aerosol oleoresin capsicum spray) may not be worn or carried openly with the intent of injuring an individual unlawfully. Section 4-101 sets no other limit on carrying it. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The section does not stop an individual from carrying a weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger; a court judges the reasonableness and the occasion. Officers, special railroad agents and handgun permit holders are also exempt. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | A switchblade knife is a listed 'weapon', so carrying it concealed is a misdemeanour (up to 3 years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both). Selling, bartering, displaying or offering to sell a switchblade knife or a shooting knife is a separate misdemeanour. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Maryland's dangerous-weapons section (Criminal Law 4-101) sets no blade-length limit. A penknife without a switchblade is not a 'weapon' under that section. [1] |
Notes
- In 12 listed counties a minor may not carry a dangerous weapon between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, concealed or not, except on a bona fide hunting trip or when going to, at or from certain organised events (§ 4-101(c)(3)). Local rules were not checked.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Criminal Law § 4-101 Dangerous weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Criminal Law § 4-105 Switchblade knives (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Maryland and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" | Listed weapon; sale or display is banned | Concealed banned; open only if no intent to injure | Allowed; not with intent to injure unlawfully | Reasonable precaution against apprehended danger |
| District of Columbia | No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies | Switchblade: possession banned | Banned with unlawful intent; 'dangerous weapon' ban | Allowed: aerosol, labelled and dated | Exceptions cover firearms only; none for knives |
| Delaware | Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon | Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025 | Concealed without licence: class G felony | Not an offence to carry concealed (s. 1443) | Defence: lawful purpose, no intent to harm |
| Pennsylvania | Not named in 908 | Not named in 908 | Only if no common lawful purpose | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: curio, performance, found |
| Virginia | Concealed list; folding knife not named | Not named; "like kind" clause | Concealed carry: Class 1 misdemeanour | Use for protection not barred | Home and own business exempt |
| West Virginia | Allowed; 18+ for concealed | Switchblade/gravity: 18+ may carry concealed | Over 3.5 in counts; sport/tool knives excluded | Not a deadly weapon if only for self-defence | 18+, citizen or resident, not prohibited |
More rules in Maryland
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
- 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: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.