Knives and pepper spray in Vermont (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Vermont's section on carrying dangerous weapons applies only where the person intends to injure another. No broader rule on carrying knives or pepper spray was confirmed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A person who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon with the intent to injure another faces up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000, or both. The section is not limited to a particular type of knife. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A person who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon, which can include a knife, with the intent to injure another faces up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000, or both. It is a felony with up to ten years if multiple persons are targeted. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Other sections of chapter 85 (such as school and court restrictions) and local rules were not read.
Sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 13 V.S.A. section 4003 Carrying dangerous weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Vermont and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence only with intent to injure | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 Hampshire | Knives not named in the carry offence | Not named in the carry offence | No carry ban; courthouse ban applies | No carry restriction; criminal use punished | — |
| 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) | — |
More rules in Vermont
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ · Growing at home: Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers excluded)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.42 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.