Knives and pepper spray in Nebraska (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nebraska's concealed-carry offence for knives applies to minors (under 21 in this section) and prohibited persons. A knife is defined by a blade over 3.5 inches or by its use or intended use. No statute on pepper spray was found.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Only a minor or a prohibited person may not carry a knife concealed. A knife is a dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches capable of causing death or serious injury, or another dangerous cutting or stabbing instrument by use or intended use. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A minor or a prohibited person may not carry a dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto concealed. A first offence is a Class I misdemeanour; a second or later offence is a Class IV felony. [2] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | A dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches counts as a 'knife' under the weapons chapter. A person under 21 (a 'minor') or a prohibited person may not carry a knife concealed. [1] |
Notes
- "Minor" in section 28-1201 means a person under 21, with exceptions for some people aged 18 or over (for example certain members of the armed forces). Local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- Nebraska Legislature: Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1201 Terms, defined; applicability (Internet Archive snapshot of 12 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Nebraska Legislature: Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1202 Minor or prohibited person; carrying concealed weapon; penalty (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Nebraska and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Colorado | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | ⚠ Not yet verified | OK at home or business, or in a private vehicle |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Missouri | Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
More rules in Nebraska
- CannabisPossession for personal use: 1 oz or less: infraction, $300 fine (first time)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph residential, 20 business · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50-65 mph depending on road type
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional operator's permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class I, II, III (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed sellers)
- 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: No (texting/reading banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- 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 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
- 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.