Knives and pepper spray in Wisconsin (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Wisconsin excludes knives from the 'dangerous weapon' covered by its concealed weapon offence. Sprays containing oleoresin of capsicum or CS gel are exempt from its tear gas bans, with age and felony limits.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | For the offence of carrying a concealed weapon, 'dangerous weapon' does not include a knife. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The exclusion of knives from 'dangerous weapon' in the concealed weapon offence does not distinguish between types of knife. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | The exclusion of knives from 'dangerous weapon' in the concealed weapon offence does not distinguish between types of knife, so it also covers fixed blades. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Devices containing only oleoresin of capsicum or CS gel and inert ingredients are exempt from the section's tear gas bans. A person under 18 who possesses one is subject to a forfeiture unless a parent or guardian bought or gave it, and a person with a felony conviction faces a Class A misdemeanour. [2] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The offence of intentionally using such a spray to cause bodily harm or discomfort does not apply to a person acting in self-defence or defence of another as allowed under section 939.48. [2] |
Notes
- Other offences, such as going armed with a knife while intoxicated or weapons in schools, were not read here.
Sources
- Wisconsin State Legislature: Wisconsin Statutes section 941.23 Carrying concealed weapon (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Wisconsin State Legislature: Wisconsin Statutes section 941.26 Machine guns and other weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 9 December 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wisconsin and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban | Any knife excluded | Any knife excluded | Allowed; under 18 forfeiture | Self-defence use exempt |
| Iowa | Only an offence if used in a crime | Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed | Only an offence if used in a crime | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Only with intent to use unlawfully | Banned unless FOID holder or trade | Only with intent to use unlawfully | Allowed 18+ if designed solely for personal defence | FOID holders and the knife trade exempt from switchblade ban |
| Michigan | Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned | Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017) | No concealed carry (felony); hunting knife excepted | Allowed (OC up to 18%); no sale to minors | Home, business, own land; hunting knife |
| 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 | — |
More rules in Wisconsin
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour, then felony) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph outlying · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, with a municipal permit
- 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: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.