Knives and pepper spray in New Mexico (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Mexico bars carrying a concealed deadly weapon, which includes daggers and bowie knives, subject to exceptions. Knives that open automatically are separately prohibited, and deadly weapons are barred on school premises. The pepper spray rule was not verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 30-7-2 makes carrying a concealed loaded firearm or any other type of deadly weapon anywhere a petty misdemeanour, subject to listed exceptions. A 'deadly weapon' is a weapon capable of producing death or great bodily harm, including daggers, switchblade knives, bowie knives and butcher knives. Folding knives are not named. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Section 30-7-8 makes it a petty misdemeanour to possess, sell or buy a knife whose blade opens automatically by pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle, or that opens by gravity or centrifugal movement. Locking or one-handed knives are not otherwise named. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives and knives 'with which dangerous cuts can be given' are listed as deadly weapons. Section 30-7-2 prohibits carrying a concealed loaded firearm or any other type of deadly weapon anywhere, subject to listed exceptions. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | Section 30-7-2 does not apply in the person's residence or on property they own, lease or hold as licensee; in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property; to certified peace officers; or to holders of a concealed handgun licence. Section 30-7-2.1 bars deadly weapons on school premises except for peace officers, school security personnel, ROTC or hunter safety participants, school-approved activities, and persons over 19 in a private vehicle for lawful protection. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Making, possessing, displaying, selling, lending, giving away or buying a knife whose blade opens automatically by pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle, or by gravity or centrifugal thrust, is a petty misdemeanour. [1] |
Notes
- The text read is an Internet Archive snapshot of 10 January 2025 of the official compilation; later amendments were not checked. Local rules may differ.
Sources
- New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource): NMSA 1978, Chapter 30 Criminal Offenses (Internet Archive snapshot of 10 January 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Mexico and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | Concealed deadly weapon barred; knives not named | Auto-opening knives barred | Concealed carry of deadly weapon barred | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, officers, licence; school list |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Oklahoma | Knives not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Self-defence, hunting, fishing, recreation |
| Texas | No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in | No separate rule | Over 5.5 in: listed places; under-18s need supervision | Small commercial dispensers excluded | School authorisation |
More rules in New Mexico
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 12 plants, 6 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 75 mph (55 mph unposted county roads)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15½ (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks incl. aerial) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHands-free use: 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08%
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.