Understanding Your Knife Rights in Nebraska: A Legal Guide

Nebraska law allows residents to own and openly carry most types of knives, with a few key restrictions regarding blade length, concealed carry, and certain locations. Recent legislative changes have also strengthened statewide protections for knife owners and limited the ability of local governments to create stricter rules.

Legal Knife Ownership and Types

Permitted Knives: Most knives—including folding knives, fixed blades, daggers, stilettos, and automatics—are legal to own and carry openly in Nebraska, except for ballistic knives (those that launch a blade as a projectile), which are prohibited.
Open Carry: You may openly carry knives of any blade length, except in certain restricted locations or where local ordinances apply.

Concealed Carry Rules

Blade Length Restriction: It is illegal to carry concealed any knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches. This applies regardless of knife type.
Concealed Carry Definition: Concealment means the knife is hidden from ordinary observation. Even a knife clipped inside a pocket may be considered concealed, depending on how visible it is.
On Your Own Property: The restriction does not apply if you are on your own property or have a valid concealed carry permit.
Prohibited Persons: Minors and individuals prohibited from possessing weapons (such as felons) cannot carry knives concealed.

Statewide Preemption and Local Laws

Statewide Preemption: As of 2023, Nebraska law (LB 77) prohibits cities, counties, and villages from enacting knife laws stricter than state law. This means local governments cannot create their own knife regulations, except as expressly allowed by state law.
Exceptions: Some municipalities, like Lincoln and Omaha, may still have restrictive ordinances for knives on municipal property. The legality of these local rules is being challenged and may change in the future.

Restricted Locations

Schools: Knives are strictly prohibited on school grounds, and students can face suspension or expulsion for possession.
Government Buildings: Carrying knives may be restricted in courthouses, jails, and certain government facilities, regardless of blade length.

Penalties

First Offense: Carrying a concealed knife with a blade over 3.5 inches is a Class I misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
Subsequent Offenses: Repeat offenses can be charged as felonies with harsher penalties.

Practical Tips for Knife Owners

Always measure your blade—if it is over 3.5 inches, do not carry it concealed.
Open carry is generally legal, but avoid doing so in sensitive areas like schools or government buildings.
Be aware of local ordinances, especially in Lincoln and Omaha, as some rules may still be in flux.
If you are a minor or otherwise prohibited person, do not carry knives concealed.
When traveling, keep knives stored in plain view or in your checked luggage if passing through restricted areas.

Summary Table

Situation	Legal?
Open carry, any blade length	Yes (except ballistic knives)
Concealed carry, blade ≤ 3.5″	Yes
Concealed carry, blade > 3.5″	No (unless on own property or with permit)
Possession on school grounds	No
Local knife ordinances	Preempted by state law (with some exceptions)

Nebraska broadly protects your right to own and carry knives, but carrying knives with blades over 3.5 inches concealed is illegal unless you are on your own property or have a permit. Recent reforms have strengthened statewide protections and limited local restrictions, but always check for updates, especially in major cities and restricted locations.

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