Virginia Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Virginia. 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 Virginia for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, § 18.2-287.2, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Virginia has no state-level restrictions on civilian purchase 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. Virginia Code § 18.2-287.2 provides that wearing body armor while in possession of a weapon during the commission of certain felonies is a Class 4 felony (2-10 years).
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALVirginia law prohibits the possession, sale, or carrying of brass knuckles under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1. Brass knuckles are classified as a prohibited weapon, and possession is illegal except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess except law enforcement.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or purchase.
Penalties
Class 1 misdemeanor; punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Virginia 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
Virginia does not allow permitless concealed carry. A concealed handgun permit is required under Va. Code § 18.2-308. Permitless open carry is allowed for persons 18 and older.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry requires a permit; open carry is legal without a permit for 18+.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under Va. Code Title 18.2; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Carrying concealed without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Minimum Age
21 years or older to obtain concealed handgun permit.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Virginia's open carry laws at the state level, but local ordinances can change.
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
RESTRICTEDPepper Spray Restrictions are legal with restrictions in Virginia. Under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-312, pepper spray containers must not exceed 2 ounces. No permit is required, but sale to minors under 18 is prohibited.
Carrying
Legal if container is 2 ounces or less; no permit required.
Purchase
Sale to persons under 18 prohibited.
Penalties
Possession of larger containers or sale to minors is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Virginia. Virginia state law does not prohibit suppressors and does not impose additional restrictions on possession or sale.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance; no additional state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDSwitchblades are legal to possess in Virginia. Code § 18.2-308.1. Switchblades with blades over 3 inches are illegal to carry concealed, but possession and sale are allowed. Open carry of switchblades is generally permitted.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
Concealed carry of illegal knives is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Virginia. No significant legislative changes since the current laws on stun weapons and self-defense were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+