Knives and pepper spray in Mississippi (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Mississippi makes it an offence to carry concealed a bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife or other deadly weapon, unless an exception applies; the law sets no blade-length limit. A weapon carried in a visible sheath, holster or case is not 'concealed'.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 97-37-1(1) makes it an offence to carry concealed on or about one's person any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack or other deadly weapon, except as provided in section 45-9-101. A first conviction is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500, or up to six months in the county jail, or both. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A switchblade knife is among the weapons that may not be carried concealed. The section does not otherwise mention locking or one-handed knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Bowie knives, dirk knives and butcher knives may not be carried concealed. 'Concealed' means hidden or obscured from common observation, and does not include a weapon listed in the section carried in a sheath, holster, scabbard or case that is wholly or partially visible. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | It is not a violation for a person over 18 to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed within his or her own home or place of business, real property associated with it, or any motor vehicle. It is also not a violation to carry one concealed while engaged in, or going to or returning from, a legitimate weapon-related sports activity such as hunting, fishing or target shooting. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a switchblade knife concealed is an offence (first conviction: a fine of $100 to $500, up to 6 months, or both), unless an exception applies. Over-18s may carry it concealed at home, at their place of business or in a motor vehicle; a knife in a visible sheath is not 'concealed'. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No blade-length limit in Mississippi's concealed-weapons section (s. 97-37-1); it lists knife types such as bowie, dirk, butcher and switchblade knives instead. [1] |
Notes
- The text read is section 97-37-1 as amended by House Bill 912 of 2023, as sent to the Governor (approved 13 April 2023). The Mississippi Code itself could not be read from an official site, so later amendments were not seen.
- No provision of the Mississippi Code on pepper spray was found in the official texts that could be read.
Sources
- Mississippi Legislature: House Bill 912 (As Sent to Governor), Regular Session 2023, amending Mississippi Code 97-37-1 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Mississippi and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | Concealed carry of listed knives is an offence | Switchblade: no concealed carry | Concealed carry banned; visible sheath not concealed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, vehicle; sports activity |
| Alabama | Firearms only; no knife carry offence read | No separate rule | No sale to minors; no carry offence read | No carry ban read; use in a crime is a felony | School ban exempts police, school officers, permit holders |
| Arkansas | Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully | Same rule; switchblades named in definition | Same rule; 3 in or longer counts as a knife | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, journey, officers on duty |
| Louisiana | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies | Concealed carry of a dangerous weapon is an offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed handgun permit holders exempt |
| Tennessee | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014 | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Mississippi
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Civil offence up to 30 g · Growing at home: Not allowed
- Car speed limitsOutside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (two-lane highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (regular licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksMinimum age to buy: 12 (no sale to under-12s)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, operator and 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% (21 and over) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.