Knives and pepper spray in Minnesota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Minnesota makes it a crime to make, transfer or possess an automatic switch blade knife or metal knuckles. Its weapons statute names no offence for carrying ordinary folding or fixed-blade knives and sets no blade-length limit. Tear gas compounds, including oleoresin capsicum, may be possessed for defence if aerosol, labelled and dated; under-16s need parental permission.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 609.66 names switch blade knives opening automatically and metal knuckles. It does not name ordinary folding knives. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Manufacturing, transferring or possessing a switch blade knife opening automatically is a crime. Penalty: up to 90 days or a $1,000 fine, or up to 364 days or $3,000 in a school, park or public housing zone. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Section 609.66 names no offence for carrying fixed-blade knives as such. Possessing a dangerous weapon on school property is a felony, and possessing a dangerous article for unlawful use as a weapon is an offence. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A person may possess and use an authorised tear gas compound, including oleoresin capsicum, in reasonable force in defence of person or property only if it is in an aerosol container with written instructions and a date. Under-16s need a parent's or guardian's written permission. [2] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Making, transferring or possessing a switch blade knife opening automatically is a crime: up to 90 days or a fine of up to $1,000, or up to 364 days or $3,000 in a school, park or public housing zone. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No blade-length limit in Minnesota's dangerous-weapons statute (Minn. Stat. 609.66). [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | No container-size limit. Under-16s need written permission from a parent or guardian, and some people barred from having a pistol may not possess it. It may not be sold where liquor is sold, and cities and counties may license sellers. [2] |
Notes
- Possessing any other dangerous article or substance for the purpose of being used unlawfully as a weapon against another is also an offence (§ 609.66, subd. 1(a)(5)). Local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minnesota Statutes 609.66 Dangerous weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minnesota Statutes 624.731 Tear gas and tear gas compounds; electronic incapacitation devices (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Minnesota and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Iowa | Only an offence if used in a crime | Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed | Only an offence if used in a crime | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 |
| North Dakota | Not named if blade under 6 in | Switchblade/gravity knives named | Dangerous weapon; licence for concealed | Excluded from dangerous weapons | Licence (18+) or exemption |
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban | Any knife excluded | Any knife excluded | Allowed; under 18 forfeiture | Self-defence use exempt |
More rules in Minnesota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 8 plants, max 4 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers etc.)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.41 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and all passengers
- 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.