Knives and pepper spray in New York (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New York bans possession of switchblade knives; daggers, dirks and similar knives are an offence only with intent to use them unlawfully. A pocket-sized self-defence spray is allowed for people aged 18 or over without a felony or assault conviction, sold only by licensed or approved vendors, at most two per sale.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Ordinary folding knives are not named in § 265.01(1). A dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, machete, razor or stiletto is an offence to possess only with intent to use it unlawfully against another. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a switchblade knife is criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. A switchblade is a knife whose blade opens automatically by hand pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, machete, razor or stiletto is an offence to possess only with intent to use it unlawfully against another. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Possession and use for protection of a pocket-sized self-defence spray device (tear gas, pepper or a similar disabling agent) is exempt from the weapons offences. The exemption does not apply to under-18s or to people with a prior felony or assault conviction. [3] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a switchblade knife (a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle) is criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Gravity knives are not in the list. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Only a pocket-sized self-defence spray is allowed, for people aged 18 or over without a felony or assault conviction. It may be sold only by licensed firearms dealers, pharmacists or approved vendors, who must check age and take a sworn statement; no more than two devices per sale. [3] |
Notes
- Local laws, such as New York City rules on knives, were not checked.
- A gravity knife is defined in § 265.00(5) but is not in the list of weapons in § 265.01(1) as read.
Sources
- New York State Senate: New York Penal Law § 265.01 Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 December 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New York State Senate: New York Penal Law § 265.00 Definitions (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New York State Senate: New York Penal Law § 265.20 Exemptions (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New York and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | — |
| Connecticut | Banned at 4 in or more of edge | Banned if blade over 1.5 in | Banned: dirk, stiletto or edge of 4 in or more | ⚠ Not yet verified | Exempt: licensed hunting, moving, repair, shows |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Pennsylvania | Not named in 908 | Not named in 908 | Only if no common lawful purpose | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: curio, performance, found |
| Rhode Island | Concealed: 3 in blade limit | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed over 3 in: offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 York
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior licence; not valid in NYC) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparkling devices)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester)
- 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, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, back-seat passengers
- 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 (sales banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales banned)
- 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.