Is it allowed to carry "a knife" or "a pepper spray" while traveling by road in the Schengen area as a woman?
Can a solo female traveler carry a knife or pepper spray to be able defend of herself when she is on the road or when hitchhiking, or it is illegal?
Best Answer
As @MeNoTalk already mentioned, the answer differs from country to country. I was expecting that the answer be that both are not allowed. Apparently even pepper spray is allowed in some EU countries.
Personally I would say both are really drastic measures to protect yourself and unnecessary. In general you would not need those to protect yourself.
In Europe self-defence is approached with proportionality. If some one would attack you without a knife or pepperspray and you would use either a knife or pepperspray to defend yourself, it could be that you end up being treated as the offender.
Those area's where you might be at risk, knife or pepperspray wouldn't help either. It is better to find out where the no-go area's are.
If you need to use a knife for any thing else then to protect your self, then it is allowed to carry a knife. If you are for example a scuba diver, you are allowed to cary double bladed knifes, BUT packed together with your diving gear in the back of your car.
Pictures about "Is it allowed to carry "a knife" or "a pepper spray" while traveling by road in the Schengen area as a woman?"
What are Schengen rules?
What is the Schengen 90/180 rule? Under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. Furthermore, once you've used up your quota of 90 days, you cannot return to Schengen until 90 more days have passed.Can you freely cross borders in Europe?
Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.Is there passport control between Schengen countries?
The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries. There is normally no passport control on the borders between these countries. If you have a valid visa or residence permit in one of these countries, you can also visit the other Schengen countries.Why is it called Schengen?
The name \u201cSchengen\u201d comes from the small winemaking town and commune of Schengen in far southeastern Luxembourg, where France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Schengen Agreement.Best self defensive tools which every girl must carry with herself(In her bag) every time.
More answers regarding is it allowed to carry "a knife" or "a pepper spray" while traveling by road in the Schengen area as a woman?
Answer 2
I answer about usage in France, not about legal aspects as I am not a lawyer.
Though urban life decreases the need for pocket knives, many people in rural areas still carry Opinel or Laguiole knives.
It is common also to bring a pocket knife when enjoying a picnic with baguette, charcuterie and camembert (yes it is cliché, but yes it still belongs to french way of life).
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Kaboompics .com, RODNAE Productions, RODNAE Productions, RODNAE Productions