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Weapons

The law says you can’t carry, possess or use a weapon to hurt people or to defend yourself. Weapons offences can be very serious – get legal advice.

If the police believe you are illegally carrying a weapon, they can search you and your car without a warrant. If they find a weapon they can take it from you.

Guns

You can’t own or buy a gun until you turn 18. You must register the gun and have a licence for it. There are strict rules for anyone wanting to own or carry a gun.

If you are aged between 12 and 17 you can get a licence for using a gun from the police, but only for learning how to use a gun or for sport. You will only get a licence if:

  • your parent or guardian agrees in writing
  • you are a member of an approved shooting club
  • you have done a firearms safety course
  • you are a responsible person.

If you get the licence, you can only use a gun with a person over 18 who has a shooter’s licence.

Anyone can use an airgun or air rifle in a shooting gallery at a show or amusement centre.

Other weapons

You can’t carry knives, batons, flick knives, daggers, butterfly knives or knuckle knives. You also can’t carry weapons like nunchakus, knuckle-dusters, shanghais, blow guns, capsicum spray, slingshots, weighted or studded gloves, throwing stars or catapults.

If you can prove you have a lawful excuse, you may carry or possess some weapons like a sword, large crossbow or imitation firearm.

A 'lawful excuse' could include having the weapon for work, for sport, for a weapons collection, display or exhibition. Lawful excuse does not include self-defence.

You can only possess or carry some weapons if you do so safely.

Dangerous articles

You can’t carry or possess an object that has been adapted for use as a weapon, unless you have a lawful excuse. It is also an offence to carry an article with the intention of using it as a weapon.

Dangerous articles can include:

  • an axe
  • a cricket bat
  • a hammer.

In the case of dangerous articles ‘lawful excuse’ can include having the weapon for work, for sport, for a weapons collection, display or exhibition, but not self-defence.

More information

Dealing with the police

Violent behaviour

Related publications

Am I old enough?

Your rights: police powers in Victoria

How we can help

Call Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s other free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • advice at many correctional facilities, remand and detention centres
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals.

For some criminal law matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

Your local community legal centre (CLC) can give you legal information and advice. Most CLC services are free. See the Community Law website (new window) for more information and CLC contact details.