🔪 Can I carry a knife in Hungary?

The pocket knife passes — the line runs at 8 centimetres and at the spring. Under the decree on devices especially dangerous to public safety, you may carry in public a cutting tool whose blade or stabbing length doesn't exceed 8 centimetres — the classic pocket knife is legal. Two hard exceptions: the switchblade (and similar listed devices: coshes, batons, nunchaku) is banned in public regardless of size; and blades over 8 cm may only travel when tied to a legitimate purpose — work, fishing, hiking, sport — packed and transported accordingly. 'I carry it for self-defence' is not an accepted reason — that's precisely what the ban targets. At public events (festivals, stadiums, demonstrations) the rule hardens: no knives at all. Sanctions: misdemeanour proceedings, fines and confiscation — and a knife surfacing in a crime becomes an aggravating factor.