Knives and pepper spray in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Michigan bars carrying a dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length or other dangerous weapon concealed, except in a dwelling, place of business or on land the person possesses. The former ban on mechanically opened pocket knives was repealed in 2017. Self-defence spray may contain no more than 18% oleoresin capsicum and may not be sold to minors.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 227 names a "double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument"; ordinary folding knives are not named. Any other dangerous weapon carried concealed is covered. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The former section on unlawful possession of a pocket knife opened by a mechanical device (MCL 750.226a) was repealed by 2017 Act 96, effective 11 October 2017. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A dagger, dirk, stiletto or double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument may not be carried concealed on the person, or in a vehicle the person operates or occupies, except in the dwelling, place of business or other land the person possesses. Penalty: felony, up to 5 years or a fine of up to $2,500. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A self-defence spray or foam device is one releasing up to 18% oleoresin capsicum or up to 35 g of CS. Reasonable use for protection of a person or property, in circumstances that justify physical force, is not an offence. Selling one to a minor is a misdemeanour. [3] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The concealed-carry offence does not apply in the person's dwelling house, place of business or on other land the person possesses, and excepts a hunting knife adapted and carried as such. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Michigan repealed its ban on pocket knives opened by a mechanical device in 2017 (former MCL 750.226a). Carrying a dagger, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous weapon concealed remains banned. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No length threshold: the concealed-carry ban covers a dagger, dirk, stiletto or double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument 'of any length'. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A lawful self-defence spray or foam device may contain no more than 18% oleoresin capsicum. Selling one to a minor is a misdemeanour (up to 90 days, a fine of up to $500, or both). [3] |
Notes
- Separately, going armed with a knife whose blade is over 3 inches long, or another dangerous weapon, with intent to use it unlawfully against another person is a felony (MCL 750.226).
- A hunting knife adapted and carried as such is excepted from the concealed-carry offence.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 750.227 Concealed weapons; carrying; penalty (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 April 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 750.226a Repealed (Internet Archive snapshot of 12 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 750.224d Self-defense spray or foam device (Internet Archive snapshot of 7 February 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Minnesota | Ordinary folding knives not named | Automatic switch blade knives banned | No general ban; school ban and unlawful-use offence | Allowed if aerosol, labelled, dated; under 16 need consent | — |
| 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 |
| Wisconsin | Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban | Any knife excluded | Any knife excluded | Allowed; under 18 forfeiture | Self-defence use exempt |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (business district) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 years 9 months (level 1)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 14+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 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: Adults: no; under 16: 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 · 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.