Knives and pepper spray in Virginia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Virginia makes it a Class 1 misdemeanour to carry a dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete or razor hidden from common observation. Its tear gas offence concerns harmful release and states that it does not prevent use for protection of person or property.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 18.2-308 bans carrying hidden from common observation the knives it lists, such as a dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete or razor. An ordinary folding knife is not named, but the section also covers any weapon of like kind. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblade and other locking knives are not named in the section 18.2-308 list. The section also covers any weapon of like kind to those listed. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a dirk, bowie knife or stiletto knife hidden from common observation is a Class 1 misdemeanour. A weapon observable but of deceptive appearance is also treated as hidden. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Section 18.2-312 penalises malicious or unlawful release of tear gas or similar gases that injures a person. It states that it does not prevent use of tear gas or other gases by any person in the protection of person, life or property. [2] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The concealed-carry ban does not apply to a person in their own place of abode or its curtilage, or, with listed exceptions, in their own place of business. [1] |
Notes
- The list ends with "any weapon of like kind as those enumerated". A second violation is a Class 6 felony and a third or later a Class 5 felony.
Sources
- Virginia General Assembly (LIS): Code of Virginia section 18.2-308 Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Virginia General Assembly (LIS): Code of Virginia section 18.2-312 Illegal use of tear gas, phosgene and other gases (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Virginia and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| District of Columbia | No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies | Switchblade: possession banned | Banned with unlawful intent; 'dangerous weapon' ban | Allowed: aerosol, labelled and dated | Exceptions cover firearms only; none for knives |
| Kentucky | Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon | No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test | Concealed: only if 21+ or licensed | Not listed as a deadly weapon | Own property; 21+ may carry without licence |
| Maryland | Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" | Listed weapon; sale or display is banned | Concealed banned; open only if no intent to injure | Allowed; not with intent to injure unlawfully | Reasonable precaution against apprehended danger |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| West Virginia | Allowed; 18+ for concealed | Switchblade/gravity: 18+ may carry concealed | Over 3.5 in counts; sport/tool knives excluded | Not a deadly weapon if only for self-defence | 18+, citizen or resident, not prohibited |
More rules in Virginia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 3 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 6 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class three: 14, or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (only permissible fireworks)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.77 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
- 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.