Knives and pepper spray in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In North Dakota switchblades, gravity knives and knives with a blade of six inches or more are dangerous weapons that may not be carried concealed without a licence or exemption. Self-defence sprays are excluded from the definition of dangerous weapon.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The definition of 'dangerous weapon' names knives with a blade of six inches or more, switchblades and gravity knives. A folding knife that is neither of those types and has a shorter blade is not named in the definition. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblade knives and gravity knives are named as dangerous weapons. The definition does not mention other locking or one-handed folding knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Daggers, stilettos, swords, machetes, scimitars and any knife with a blade of six inches or more are named as dangerous weapons. A dangerous weapon may not be carried concealed without a licence or an exemption. [2] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A spray or aerosol containing CS, CN or another irritating agent intended for the defence of an individual is excluded from the definition of 'dangerous weapon'. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | Concealed carry of a dangerous weapon is allowed for a licence holder or someone exempted under chapter 62.1-04. A class 2 licence is available from age 18 to applicants who meet the chapter's criteria. [2] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblade and gravity knives are 'dangerous weapons'. A dangerous weapon may not be carried concealed without a licence or exemption; the class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon licence is available from age 18, and permitless concealed carry applies only to firearms. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | A knife with a blade of six inches (15.24 cm) or more is a 'dangerous weapon' and may not be carried concealed without a licence or exemption. [1] |
Notes
- Section 62.1-02-05 also bars possessing a dangerous weapon at a school or school-sponsored event on school property, a place of worship and a publicly owned or operated building, with listed exceptions.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code ch. 62.1-01 General Provisions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code ch. 62.1-04 Licence to Carry a Concealed Firearm or Dangerous Weapon (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Not named if blade under 6 in | Switchblade/gravity knives named | Dangerous weapon; licence for concealed | Excluded from dangerous weapons | Licence (18+) or exemption |
| Minnesota | Ordinary folding knives not named | Automatic switch blade knives banned | No general ban; school ban and unlawful-use offence | Allowed if aerosol, labelled, dated; under 16 need consent | — |
| Montana | Carry offence covers firearms only | No section on automatic knives listed | No offence for carrying fixed blades listed | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph if posted
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (restricted licence at 15) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Limited list of items only · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-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% · 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.