New York Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of New York. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal for civilians in New York but with restrictions. Purchasing online may be prohibited, or wearing during commission of a crime carries enhanced penalties.
Ownership
Restricted. New York enacted S.9407-B/A.10497 in 2022, banning civilian purchase of 'body vests' (defined as bullet-resistant soft body armor). Exemptions exist for law enforcement, military, and certain licensed security professionals. The law's scope regarding hard armor plates sold separately from soft vests remains subject to legal interpretation and ongoing litigation.
Purchase
Civilian sale of body vests prohibited since July 2022. Exempted sales to law enforcement, military, and licensed security personnel require documentation. Hard armor plates sold separately exist in a legal gray area.
Penalties
Unlawful purchase or sale of body vest: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year). Wearing body armor during commission of a violent felony: Class E felony (1-4 years), consecutive to underlying sentence. Felon possession: up to 3 years federal prison plus potential state charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALNew York Penal Law § 265.01(1) prohibits possession of any 'dangerous knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles or metal knuckles.' Brass knuckles are illegal to possess, sell, or carry.
Possession
Illegal to possess, carry, or transport.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or distribute.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor; penalties include fines and up to 1 year imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession is prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in New York, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. The 2019 repeal of the gravity knife ban has created some legal ambiguity, but has not officially changed the status of butterfly knives.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
New York does not allow permitless concealed carry. A valid New York State pistol license is required to carry a concealed handgun under Penal Law § 400.00. No constitutional carry law exists.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry requires a state-issued permit; possession without a permit is illegal.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales require background checks and registration per state law.
Penalties
Unlawful possession or carrying of a firearm can result in felony charges under Penal Law § 265.01.
Minimum Age
21 years old for pistol license
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in New York 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 in New York.
Possession
Legal at home/dojo
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Carrying in public may result in weapons charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Open Carry
ILLEGALOpen carry of firearms is generally prohibited in New York. There have been no recent changes to legalize open carry in New York.
Open Carry Rules
Illegal for most civilians
Permit Requirements
Firearms sales legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Criminal weapons charges for open carry violations.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDNew York restricts pepper spray to self-defense sprays containing no more than 0.75% by weight of oleoresin capsicum. Only authorized sellers can sell pepper spray, and purchasers must be 18 or older. Possession without proper purchase documentation can lead to criminal charges under Penal Law § 265.20.
Carrying
Legal if purchased from authorized dealer and for self-defense; must be 0.75% OC or less.
Purchase
Only authorized dealers may sell; purchaser must be 18+ and provide ID.
Penalties
Possession without authorization can be a misdemeanor under NY Penal Law § 265.20.
Age Restriction
18 years old
Suppressors / Silencers
ILLEGALSuppressors are illegal to possess, sell, or transfer in New York State. New York Penal Law § 265.00 prohibits possession of silencers or suppressors, classifying them as illegal firearms.
Ownership (with NFA)
Illegal under New York Penal Law § 265.00; possession is a felony.
Dealer Availability
Illegal to sell or transfer suppressors within the state.
Penalties
Class C felony for possession, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
Age Restriction
N/A due to illegality.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALNew York prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblade knives under Penal Law § 265.01(1). Switchblades with blades longer than 4 inches are illegal to possess, and automatic knives are generally banned except for law enforcement or military use.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades over 4 inches; possession of any switchblade is generally prohibited.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or purchase switchblades within the state.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor for possession; penalties increase with intent to sell or distribute.
Age Restriction
None specified, possession is generally prohibited.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in New York with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. A 2019 federal court ruling, Avitabile v.
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