Knives and pepper spray in New Hampshire (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Hampshire's section on carrying weapons names only blackjacks, slung shots and metallic knuckles, and does not name knives. Courthouses ban carrying a deadly weapon. Aerosol self-defence sprays are regulated only as to criminal use.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | RSA 159:16 makes carrying or selling a blackjack, slung shot or metallic knuckles a misdemeanour. It does not name folding knives. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | RSA 159:16 names no knives, including switchblades. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | RSA 159:16 names no knives. No person may knowingly carry a deadly weapon in a courtroom or an area used by a court (class B felony). Selling a sword, knife or similar martial arts weapon to a person under 18 needs a parent's or guardian's written consent. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | RSA 159:20 to 159:23 define aerosol self-defence spray weapons and punish their use on another person with intent to commit a crime. The sale-to-minors offence in RSA 159:22 names only electronic defence weapons. The sections set no carrying restriction. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | RSA chapter 159 names switchblade knives only in the offence of possession by certain convicted felons (class B felony). The general carry offence in RSA 159:16 names no knives. [1] |
Notes
- Local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 159: Pistols and Revolvers (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Hampshire and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Knives not named in the carry offence | Not named in the carry offence | No carry ban; courthouse ban applies | No carry restriction; criminal use punished | — |
| Massachusetts | Not named unless locking or spring-release | Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void | Banned: dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged | 18+ no permit; under 18 need a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maine | Concealed 'dangerous' knives barred; folding not named | Former "dangerous knife" ban repealed (2015) | Concealed bowie knife, dirk, stiletto barred | Concealed carry allowed; misuse is a crime | — |
| Vermont | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in New Hampshire
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
- 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 (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 21 (18+ if on active duty)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · 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
- 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.