Knives and pepper spray in New Jersey (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Jersey makes it a crime to possess a gravity knife, switchblade, dagger, dirk or stiletto without an explainable lawful purpose. Adults without a criminal conviction may carry one pocket-sized self-defence spray of no more than three-quarters of an ounce.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Ordinary folding knives are not listed in N.J.S.2C:39-3(e). Any other weapon possessed in circumstances not manifestly appropriate for its lawful uses is a fourth-degree crime. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Knowingly possessing a gravity knife or switchblade knife without any explainable lawful purpose is a crime of the fourth degree. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Knowingly possessing a dagger, dirk or stiletto without any explainable lawful purpose is a crime of the fourth degree. Possessing any weapon other than a firearm with purpose to use it unlawfully against another is a crime of the third degree. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A person aged 18 or over who has not been convicted of a crime may possess for personal self-defence one pocket-sized device containing and releasing up to three-quarters of an ounce of a chemical substance intended to cause temporary discomfort. Otherwise it is a disorderly persons offence with a fine of at least $100. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The offence applies to possession "without any explainable lawful purpose". Members of the armed forces and National Guard, and law enforcement officers on duty, are exempt when authorised. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Knowingly possessing a gravity knife or switchblade knife without any explainable lawful purpose is a crime of the fourth degree. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A person aged 18 or over without a criminal conviction may possess, for self-defence, one pocket-sized device releasing no more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance. Possession in breach of this is a disorderly persons offence (fine of at least $100). [1] |
Notes
- Section 2C:39-5(d) covers "any other weapon" possessed in circumstances not manifestly appropriate for the lawful uses it may have. Whether a given folding knife qualifies depends on the circumstances.
Sources
- New Jersey Legislature: New Jersey Statutes, Title 2C, N.J.S.2C:39-1 to 39-6 (STATUTES-TEXT.zip, Internet Archive snapshot of 12 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Jersey and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Not listed; "manifestly appropriate" test | Banned without explainable lawful purpose | Dagger, dirk, stiletto banned without lawful purpose | 18+, one pocket-sized device up to 3/4 oz | Explainable lawful purpose; military and officers exempt |
| Delaware | Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon | Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025 | Concealed without licence: class G felony | Not an offence to carry concealed (s. 1443) | Defence: lawful purpose, no intent to harm |
| New York | Not listed; offence only with unlawful intent | Switchblades banned; gravity knives not listed | Offence only with intent to use unlawfully | Allowed 18+ (pocket-sized spray, no prior felony) | — |
| Pennsylvania | Not named in 908 | Not named in 908 | Only if no common lawful purpose | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: curio, performance, found |
More rules in New Jersey
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Not allowed
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (special learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Licensed and registered · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (ground sparkling devices only)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.92 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (primary offence) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (adults in the back: secondary law)
- 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: Any alcohol, under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.