New Jersey Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of New Jersey. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
LEGALBody armor is legal to purchase and wear in New Jersey for civilians without felony convictions. While there have been legislative proposals to further restrict sales (e.g., S3147), the core statute, N.J.S.A.
Ownership
Legal for civilians without felony convictions. New Jersey N.J.S.A. 2C:39-13 prohibits any person convicted of a crime (New Jersey uses 'crime' rather than 'felony') from purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor. This is broader than federal law because NJ's definition of 'crime' includes all indictable offenses.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online to non-felons. No specific age restrictions. Retailers are not required to verify criminal history.
Penalties
Felon possession of body armor: third-degree crime (3-5 years). Wearing body armor during commission of a crime of the first or second degree: additional mandatory minimum of 18 months. The enhanced penalty is consecutive to the underlying sentence.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALNew Jersey law prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of brass knuckles under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-3. They are classified as dangerous weapons and possession is unlawful except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for law enforcement.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession is prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in New Jersey with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
New Jersey requires a permit to carry a handgun, concealed or open, under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5. There is no constitutional carry law; carrying without a permit is illegal.
Permitless Carry Rules
Possession of firearms is legal with proper permits; carrying concealed without a permit is prohibited.
Permit Availability
Sales require background checks and compliance with state regulations.
Penalties
Carrying without a permit is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5.
Minimum Age
Minimum age 21 for handgun carry permits.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in New Jersey with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in New Jersey with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry is legal in New Jersey but requires a valid permit or license. There have been no recent changes to legalize open carry in New Jersey.
Open Carry Rules
Legal with permit
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Carrying without a valid permit is a criminal offense.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDNew Jersey restricts pepper spray possession under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-5. It is legal for self-defense but must be purchased from licensed dealers, and possession by persons under 18 is prohibited. Container size and concentration limits apply.
Carrying
Legal for persons 18 and older; must be for self-defense only.
Purchase
Only licensed firearms dealers or pharmacists may sell pepper spray; container size limited.
Penalties
Illegal possession or sale can result in fines or misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18 years old minimum.
Suppressors / Silencers
ILLEGALNew Jersey prohibits possession, sale, and transfer of firearm suppressors under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-3(j). Suppressors are classified as illegal weapons regardless of federal registration.
Ownership (with NFA)
Illegal to possess suppressors under New Jersey law.
Dealer Availability
Sale or transfer is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations are third-degree crimes punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
N/A
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALNew Jersey law (N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-3) prohibits possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblade knives. Switchblades are classified as illegal weapons, and possession is a criminal offense except for law enforcement or military personnel.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades except for law enforcement or military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades.
Penalties
Third-degree crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in New Jersey with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. A 2017 court ruling overturned New Jersey's ban on stun guns, but the legislature has not yet passed comprehensive regulations, leaving some legal ambiguity.
Ownership
Legal with permit or restrictions
Purchase
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18-21 depending on jurisdiction