New Mexico Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of New Mexico. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in New Mexico for civilians without felony convictions. The law providing for the felony enhancement was passed in 2021.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. New Mexico has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. New Mexico does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALIn New Mexico, brass knuckles are classified as prohibited weapons under the New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 30-7-2. Possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles is illegal except for law enforcement or military use.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for law enforcement or military personnel.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Class B misdemeanor; penalties may include fines and imprisonment up to 6 months.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in New Mexico, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes since the 1991 court ruling that classified butterfly knives as switchblades.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
New Mexico allows permitless concealed carry for individuals 21 and older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. This is authorized under NMSA 1978, Section 29-19-4.1, effective July 1, 2021.
Permitless Carry Rules
Individuals 21+ may carry concealed firearms without a permit except in restricted places such as schools and government buildings.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales are regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to constitutional carry.
Penalties
Carrying without meeting legal requirements can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on circumstances.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in New Mexico 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 Mexico 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 of firearms is legal with restrictions in New Mexico without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to New Mexico's open carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDIn New Mexico, pepper spray is legal for self-defense purposes. There are no specific state statutes restricting possession or sale, but local ordinances may apply. The state does not impose age restrictions or limits on container size.
Carrying
Legal to possess for self-defense; no state restrictions on size or concentration.
Purchase
No state restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in New Mexico. New Mexico does not have additional state restrictions on suppressors beyond federal law (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53).
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal registration and tax stamp under the National Firearms Act (NFA). No additional state restrictions.
Dealer Availability
Sales must comply with federal NFA requirements; no state-level restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal requirements are met; violations subject to federal penalties.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21+ for NFA items).
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDIn New Mexico, switchblades or automatic knives are legal to possess and carry. There are no specific state statutes prohibiting the ownership or sale of switchblades, and New Mexico law generally does not restrict automatic knives.
Possession
Legal to possess and carry without restriction.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase without restriction.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in New Mexico with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. No significant legislative changes regarding stun guns or self-defense have been enacted recently.
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