Knives and pepper spray in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Washington bans spring blade (automatic) knives but not assisted-opening knives, and it is an offence to carry or display a knife in a way that warrants alarm. Pepper spray is allowed from 18, or from 14 with a parent's permission.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | It is a gross misdemeanour to carry, exhibit, display or draw a knife in a manner, under circumstances and at a time and place that manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. The sections read do not otherwise ban carrying a folding knife. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a spring blade knife is a gross misdemeanour. The definition covers blades released automatically by a spring or other mechanism, or by gravity or centrifugal force. A knife with a bias toward closure that needs physical exertion on the blade to open is not a spring blade knife. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Furtively carrying with intent to conceal a dagger, dirk or other dangerous weapon is a gross misdemeanour. The sections read do not otherwise ban carrying a fixed-blade knife. [2] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A person under 18 may not purchase or possess a personal protection spray device unless aged at least 14 and with the permission of a parent or guardian. Local governments may not prohibit possession by people who meet those age conditions. [3] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The offence of carrying or displaying a weapon to alarm does not apply to acts in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, to officers on duty, or to a person acting to protect themselves or another against presently threatened unlawful force. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Making, selling or possessing a spring blade knife (automatic, gravity or centrifugal opening) is a gross misdemeanour. Assisted-opening knives with a bias towards closure that must be opened by hand are not spring blade knives. [2] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A person under 18 may not buy or possess a personal protection spray device unless aged at least 14 with a parent's or guardian's permission (misdemeanour). Local governments may not ban purchase or possession by those allowed; the section sets no container size. [3] |
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 9.41.270 Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm - Unlawful carrying or handling (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 9.41.250 Dangerous weapons - Penalty (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 9.91.160 Personal protection spray devices (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Washington and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 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.