Knives and pepper spray in Wyoming (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Wyoming's crime title does not mention knives or pepper spray. It makes carrying a concealed deadly weapon an offence unless an exception such as a permit applies, and the state pre-empts local weapons regulation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Title 6 does not mention knives. The offence in section 6-8-104 covers wearing or carrying a concealed 'deadly weapon', defined as an instrument reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury in the manner used or intended to be used. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Title 6 does not mention locking, one-handed or other types of knife. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Title 6 does not mention fixed-blade knives. Wearing or carrying a concealed deadly weapon is an offence unless an exception, such as a permit, applies. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The concealed-weapon offence does not apply to peace officers, holders of a permit under the section, holders of a valid recognised out-of-state permit, or persons who meet the section's conditions for carrying without a permit. [1] |
Notes
- The statute defines a deadly weapon by manner of use or intended use and names no knife. Whether an ordinary knife carried concealed falls under the permit exceptions was not confirmed.
- Under W.S. 6-8-401(c), regulation of weapons is pre-empted by the state legislature, so local rules cannot add to it.
Sources
- Wyoming Legislative Service Office: Wyoming Statutes Title 6 Crimes and Offenses (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wyoming and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
| Colorado | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | ⚠ Not yet verified | OK at home or business, or in a private vehicle |
| 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 |
| Montana | Carry offence covers firearms only | No section on automatic knives listed | No offence for carrying fixed blades listed | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
More rules in Wyoming
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph state highways; 65 mph other paved
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 6 months on intermediate permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law, $5.15) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 (federal; state basic rate $5.15)
- 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: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.