Knives and pepper spray in Massachusetts (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Massachusetts bars carrying on the person or in a vehicle listed knives and weapons, including daggers, dirk knives and double-edged knives, with penalties of up to five years in state prison. The listed ban on switch and spring-release knives was held invalid by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2024. Adults may have self-defence spray without a permit; under-18s need a self-defence spray permit, and only licensed dealers may sell it.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 10(b) names stilettos, daggers, dirk knives, double-edged knives, ballistic knives, switch knives, automatic spring-release knives and devices that allow a locking blade to be drawn locked. An ordinary non-locking, single-edged folding knife is not named. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a device or case that enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position is an offence under section 10(b) (2.5 to 5 years in state prison, or 6 months to 2.5 years in jail; without a prior felony, up to 2.5 years in jail or a fine of up to $50). The same subsection still lists switch knives and automatic spring-release knives, but the Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. Canjura (2024) that the Second Amendment protects carrying a switchblade, invalidating that prohibition. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a stiletto, dagger, dirk knife or any double-edged knife on the person or under control in a vehicle is an offence, except as provided by law. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Section 10(b) of chapter 269 still lists switch knives and knives with an automatic spring release among knives that may not be carried. However, the Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. Canjura (2024) that the Second Amendment protects carrying a switchblade, invalidating that prohibition. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Section 10(b) of chapter 269 refers to a blade 'of over one and one-half inches' after its list of knives (including switch knives and automatic spring-release knives). [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | People aged 18 or over may have pepper spray, mace or other self-defence spray without a firearms identification card. People under 18 need a self-defence spray permit to buy or possess it. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Under-18s need a self-defence spray permit (issued from age 15, or from age 12 with a parent's or guardian's certificate; valid 3 years); possession without one carries a fine of up to $300. Only licensed dealers may sell self-defence spray; unlicensed sale carries a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 2 years. [3] |
Notes
- The words "having a blade of over one and one-half inches" follow the list of knives in section 10(b). How far that qualifier reaches along the list was not interpreted here.
- The statute text has not been amended; the court ruling is reported by the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. Other knives listed in section 10(b) were not affected by this ruling.
- Section 10(b) applies "except as provided by law"; the exemptions elsewhere in the General Laws were not checked.
Sources
- The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: General Laws, Part IV, Title I, Chapter 269, Section 10: Carrying dangerous weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 14 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries (mass.gov): Massachusetts law about weapons (non-firearms) (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: General Laws c. 140, s. 122D: Self-defense spray permit (Internet Archive snapshot of 15 May 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Massachusetts and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Not named unless locking or spring-release | Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void | Banned: dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged | 18+ no permit; under 18 need a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Connecticut | Banned at 4 in or more of edge | Banned if blade over 1.5 in | Banned: dirk, stiletto or edge of 4 in or more | ⚠ Not yet verified | Exempt: licensed hunting, moving, repair, shows |
| 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 | — |
| New York | Not listed; offence only with unlawful intent | Switchblades banned; gravity knives not listed | Offence only with intent to use unlawfully | Allowed 18+ (pocket-sized spray, no prior felony) | — |
| Rhode Island | Concealed: 3 in blade limit | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed over 3 in: offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Vermont | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Massachusetts
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
- 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 · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- 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 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.