North Carolina Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, G.S.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. North Carolina has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal for civilian purchase.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. North Carolina General Statutes § 14-34.10 provides that wearing body armor during the commission of a felony is a separate Class H felony (4-25 months).
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALUnder North Carolina General Statutes § 14-269, brass knuckles are considered a prohibited weapon. Possession is illegal except for law enforcement or military personnel. Sale and manufacture are also prohibited.
Possession
Illegal for civilians; allowed for law enforcement and military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Class 2 misdemeanor; punishable by fines and up to 60 days imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in North Carolina 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
North Carolina allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under G.S. § 14-415.11, effective December 1, 2022. However, certain locations remain off-limits and non-residents still require a permit.
Permitless Carry Rules
Residents 21+ may carry concealed without a permit; non-residents must have a valid permit.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to constitutional carry.
Penalties
Violations of restricted areas or carrying by prohibited persons can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to North Carolina's open carry laws at the state level.
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
North Carolina permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without significant restrictions. There is no state law limiting concentration or container size, nor age restrictions. However, use of pepper spray for offensive purposes can lead to criminal charges.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry for self-defense.
Purchase
No state restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
Use for assault or offensive purposes can result in criminal charges.
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in North Carolina. The state does not impose additional restrictions on suppressors beyond federal law.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal registration and tax stamp under the NFA.
Dealer Availability
Sales must comply with federal NFA requirements; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal requirements are met; otherwise federal penalties apply.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21+ for NFA items).
North Carolina law does not specifically prohibit switchblades or automatic knives. Possession, sale, and carry of switchblades are legal under state law, with no specific restrictions or prohibitions.
Possession
Legal to possess and carry.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in North Carolina. There have been recent changes to law enforcement taser policies, but no significant changes for civilian possession.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+