Knives and pepper spray in North Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: North Carolina bans carrying concealed bowie knives, dirks, daggers and similar deadly weapons except on one's own premises; an ordinary pocket knife carried closed is exempt, but a spring-opened knife is not an ordinary pocket knife. Tear gas may be possessed for self-defence by people without a felony conviction, in devices of up to 150 cc (cartridges up to 50 cc).
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The concealed-weapons offence does not apply to an ordinary pocket knife carried in a closed position. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | A knife that may be opened by a throwing, explosive or spring action does not meet the statutory definition of an "ordinary pocket knife". [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying concealed about the person a bowie knife, dirk, dagger, razor, shuriken or other deadly weapon of like kind is unlawful, except on one's own premises. It is a Class 2 misdemeanour. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The prohibition does not apply on the person's own premises, nor to listed officers and members of the armed forces and militia on duty. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | A knife that can be opened by a throwing, explosive or spring action is not an 'ordinary pocket knife', so the exemption for closed pocket knives does not cover it. Carrying concealed a bowie knife, dirk, dagger or other deadly weapon of like kind is unlawful except on one's own premises. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Possessing or carrying tear gas is generally unlawful, but individuals without a felony conviction may possess and use it for self-defence at home and elsewhere, within the size limits. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanour. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A tear gas device or container may hold no more than 150 cubic centimetres, and a cartridge or shell no more than 50 cubic centimetres. People convicted of a felony are excluded. [2] |
Notes
- An "ordinary pocket knife" is a small knife designed for carrying in a pocket or purse, with its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle, that may not be opened by a throwing, explosive or spring action.
Sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: N.C. General Statutes § 14-269 Carrying concealed weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 June 2026, PDF) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 14-401.6: Unlawful to possess, etc., tear gas except for certain purposes (Internet Archive snapshot of 31 May 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
North Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt | Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives" | No concealed carry except on own premises | Self-defence allowed if no felony conviction | Own premises; officers and military |
| Georgia | Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' | No separate rule | Over 12 in: lawful weapons carrier only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, business; hunting and fishing |
| South Carolina | No general rule; limits at schools | No separate rule | Felony at schools if blade over 2 in | Self-defence only; max 50 cc | Secured in vehicle: allowed |
| Tennessee | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014 | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | Concealed list; folding knife not named | Not named; "like kind" clause | Concealed carry: Class 1 misdemeanour | Use for protection not barred | Home and own business exempt |
More rules in North Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Illegal; criminal misdemeanour · Growing at home: Prohibited (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Level 2 limited provisional) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (limited learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle, one class
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers and novelties only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (sparklers and novelties only)
- 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: No (texting/email banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- 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 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.