Nebraska’s knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, especially with the passage of new legislation in 2023. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding knife ownership and carry in Nebraska.
Legal Knife Ownership
- Most types of knives are legal to own in Nebraska, including folding knives, fixed blades, automatics, and gravity knives.
- Ballistic knives (those that launch blades as projectiles) are prohibited statewide.
Open Carry
- Open carry of knives is generally legal for most types, except for ballistic knives.
- Daggers, dirks, and stilettos cannot be carried outdoors, regardless of blade length.
- There is no statewide blade length limit for knives carried openly, but local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.
Concealed Carry
- Concealed carry of any knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches is unlawful unless you have a valid concealed carry permit or are on your own property.
- Knives with blades 3.5 inches or shorter may be carried concealed without a permit.
- The law applies to all knife types—folding, fixed, automatic, etc.—if the blade exceeds 3.5 inches.
- Concealment is defined as being hidden from ordinary observation, not necessarily total invisibility.
Blade Length and Definitions
| Category | Blade Length Limit | Concealed Carry Allowed? | Open Carry Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most knives | ≤ 3.5 inches | Yes | Yes |
| Most knives | > 3.5 inches | No (unless permitted) | Yes |
| Daggers/Dirks/Stilettos | Any length | No (outdoors) | No (outdoors) |
| Ballistic knives | Any length | No | No |
- Nebraska law defines a “knife” for concealed carry purposes as any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting serious injury.
Location-Based Restrictions
- Knives are generally prohibited in schools and certain government buildings.
- Some municipalities, notably Lincoln and Omaha, have local ordinances or executive orders that further restrict knife carry, especially on municipal property.
- Statewide preemption (state law overriding local ordinances) was included in recent reforms, but legal challenges and local exceptions remain, so always check local rules.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a prohibited knife or carrying in a restricted area is a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense (up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine).
- Subsequent offenses may be charged as felonies.
- Violations on school property can result in suspension or expulsion for students.
Recent Legislative Changes
- In 2023, Nebraska enacted a “Constitutional Carry” law (LB 77) covering knives and including knife law preemption, intended to standardize knife laws statewide.
- However, as of late 2024, some cities (notably Lincoln and Omaha) maintain local restrictions, and litigation over these local rules is ongoing.
- The law is designed to protect the right to carry knives as “arms” under the Second Amendment, but practical application may vary until local disputes are resolved.
Key Takeaways
- You can openly carry most knives in Nebraska, but concealed carry of knives with blades over 3.5 inches is generally prohibited without a permit.
- Always check for local ordinances, especially in Lincoln and Omaha, where additional restrictions may apply.
- Ballistic knives are illegal statewide.
- Penalties for violations can be severe, including jail time and fines.
- Recent legislative reforms aim to simplify and standardize knife laws, but local exceptions still exist.
Practical Advice
“Out of an abundance of caution, and a desire to prevent knife owners from being involuntary legal test subjects, individuals carrying knives in Nebraska that were illegal before the 2023 law change should consult with a local Nebraska legal authority before carrying today.”
If you have specific questions about your knife or your situation, consult a local attorney or law enforcement agency to ensure compliance with both state and local laws.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/nebraska-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/nebraska-knife-law/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/nebraska/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/nebraska/chapter-28/statute-28-1201/
- https://ravencresttactical.com/nebraska-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/news/nebraska-caution-note/
