Knives and pepper spray in Missouri (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Missouri bars carrying a concealed knife only into areas where firearms are restricted, and an ordinary pocketknife with a blade of up to 4 inches does not count as a knife. A switchblade knife offence applies only where possession is in violation of federal law. No statute on pepper spray was found.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a concealed knife is an offence only when the person carries it into an area where firearms are restricted under section 571.107. Carrying a concealed knife elsewhere is not an offence under section 571.030. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a concealed knife is an offence only into an area where firearms are restricted. Exhibiting a weapon readily capable of lethal use in an angry or threatening manner, and carrying one into a school, church, polling place on election day or government building, are offences. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing, making, transporting, repairing or selling a switchblade knife (one that opens by a button on the handle, by gravity or by centrifugal force) is a class D felony only when it is in violation of federal law. [2] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | For Missouri's weapons chapter, 'knife' does not include an ordinary pocketknife with no blade longer than 4 inches. Carrying a knife concealed is an offence only into areas where firearms are restricted. [3] |
Notes
- The areas where firearms are restricted are listed in section 571.107, which was not read here. Local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo 571.030 Unlawful use of weapons, offense of - exceptions - violation, penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo 571.020 Possession, manufacture, transport, repair or sale of certain weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo 571.010: Definitions (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Missouri and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Kansas | Only with intent to use unlawfully | No switchblade or locking-knife rule | Only with intent to use unlawfully | ⚠ Not yet verified | Police, prison staff and armed forces on duty |
| Kentucky | Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon | No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test | Concealed: only if 21+ or licensed | Not listed as a deadly weapon | Own property; 21+ may carry without licence |
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Oklahoma | Knives not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Self-defence, hunting, fishing, recreation |
| 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 Missouri
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes, with a registration card
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unless posted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 60 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers) · Minimum age to buy: 14 (under 14 with parent)
- 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, driver and front-seat passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: No for adults; children under 16 must be secured
- 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 (supplying under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (supplying under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · 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.