Knives and pepper spray in Oregon (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Oregon makes it a Class B misdemeanour to carry a spring-blade knife, dirk, dagger or similar instrument concealed on the person. Mace and pepper mace count as weapons in court facilities.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | ORS 166.240 names spring-blade knives, dirks, daggers, ice picks and similar instruments. An ordinary folding knife is not named in it. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying concealed on the person a knife whose blade projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force is a Class B misdemeanour. The section does not mention locking blades as such. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a dirk, dagger or similar instrument concealed on the person is a Class B misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places; Court facilities | Mace, tear gas and pepper mace are listed as 'weapons'. A person who has such a weapon in a court facility may be required to surrender it or remove it at once, and failing to comply is a Class C felony. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The concealed-carry offence does not apply to a peace officer whose duty is to serve process or make arrests. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying concealed a knife whose blade projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force is a Class B misdemeanour. A person convicted of a felony may not own or possess such a knife. [1] |
Notes
- The concealed-carry offence applies to carrying concealed on the person. A weapon carried openly is not covered by that section.
- ORS 166.370 separately makes it a Class C felony to possess a firearm or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon in a public building, with listed exceptions.
Sources
- Oregon Legislative Assembly: ORS chapter 166 Offenses Against Public Order; Firearms and Other Weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Oregon and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Not named in concealed-carry ban | Concealed spring/gravity blade banned | Concealed dirk or dagger banned | Carrying in public places, Court facilities: Counts as weapon in court facilities | Only peace officers exempt |
| California | Dagger only if blade exposed and locked | Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK | Concealed carry banned | Allowed for adults: aerosol, max 2.5 oz | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' | No separate rule; 6 in blade limit | Concealed: allowed for most adult US citizens | Not a 'deadly weapon' | Home, own property, outside cities, plain view, vehicle |
| Nevada | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | Banned on school and child care property | No concealed carry without sheriff's permit | Allowed (aerosol up to 2 fl oz) | Sheriff's permit; officers exempt |
| Washington | Allowed unless intimidating or alarming | Spring blade banned; assisted opening not | Furtive concealed dagger or dirk: offence | 18+ (14+ with parental consent) | Home, business, self-defence |
More rules in Oregon
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business; 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph on listed highways
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial retail fireworks only
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.55 per hour (standard rate)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, 18 or older
- 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 (under 21 may not buy or possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.