Knives and pepper spray in Nevada (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nevada bans carrying concealed dangerous or deadly weapons without a sheriff's permit, and bans switchblades, dirks and daggers on school and child care property. Self-defence aerosol CS tear gas of up to 2 fluid ounces may be sold to adults and possessed by anyone except convicted persons.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | NRS 202.350 does not name folding knives. It bars carrying concealed a machete, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A switchblade knife (a knife with a blade of 2 inches or more released automatically or by a mechanism) may not be carried or possessed on school, university or child care facility property. Penalty: gross misdemeanour. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A dirk or dagger may not be carried on school, university or child care facility property. Carrying concealed a machete or any other dangerous or deadly weapon is prohibited; a sheriff may issue a permit for concealed weapons other than firearms. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Aerosol cartridges of up to 2 fluid ounces of CS tear gas, and weapons for them, designed for self-defence may be sold to adults and possessed and used by anyone other than convicted persons, including minors. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | A county sheriff may issue a permit on written application showing the reason for carrying a concealed weapon, other than a firearm. Peace officers, people assisting them and members of the armed forces on duty are exempt from the concealed-carry offences. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblades are not in the possession ban of NRS 202.350(1)(a). Carrying or possessing a switchblade (blade of 2 inches or more with automatic release) on school, university or child care property or vehicles is a gross misdemeanour, with exceptions such as written permission. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Adults may buy, and anyone except a convicted person may possess, a self-defence aerosol cartridge of no more than 2 fluid ounces of CS tear gas and a weapon of that size. The seller must record the buyer's name and address and keep the record for two years. [1] |
Notes
- Section 202.350 does not define which knives are a "dangerous or deadly weapon"; only the machete is named. Local rules were not checked.
- Substances whose active ingredient is natural or derived from natural substances and cause no permanent injury are outside the tear gas definition in NRS 202.370(2). The seller must record the buyer's name and address.
- The statute refers to 'CS' tear gas; it does not mention pepper (OC) spray by name.
Sources
- Nevada Legislature, Legislative Counsel Bureau: Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 202: Crimes against public health and safety (Internet Archive snapshot of 6 October 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Nevada and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | Banned on school and child care property | No concealed carry without sheriff's permit | Allowed (aerosol up to 2 fl oz) | Sheriff's permit; officers exempt |
| Arizona | Concealed pocket knife not an offence | No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined | Concealed: offence only if felony, lying or under 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under 21: not an offence at home or own land |
| California | Dagger only if blade exposed and locked | Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK | Concealed carry banned | Allowed for adults: aerosol, max 2.5 oz | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' | No separate rule; 6 in blade limit | Concealed: allowed for most adult US citizens | Not a 'deadly weapon' | Home, own property, outside cities, plain view, vehicle |
| Oregon | Not named in concealed-carry ban | Concealed spring/gravity blade banned | Concealed dirk or dagger banned | Carrying in public places, Court facilities: Counts as weapon in court facilities | Only peace officers exempt |
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
More rules in Nevada
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes if no store within 25 miles
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Posted limit; 80 mph cap · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Posted limit; 80 mph cap
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 6+ months on a permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15.5 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes ("safe and sane" Class C only)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.00 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 · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: 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+ (purchase, consume, possess in public) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess in public)
- 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.