South Dakota Knife Law – The Complete Guide (In Plain English)

Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman, a collector of pocket knives, or simply someone who enjoys having one on hand for everyday tasks – it’s important to understand the knife laws in your state.

South Dakota has specific regulations and restrictions that are applicable to both concealed and open carry of knives.

It is essential to familiarize yourself with South Dakota knife law so that you can stay informed about what type of blades may be legally carried in public areas as well as other factors such as age restrictions, possession rules for school grounds and potential penalties if any violations occur.

In this article, we will provide an overview of South Dakota knife law including details regarding concealed carry laws, open carry laws, age restrictions for carrying knives, and more.

Overview of South Dakota Knife Laws

South Dakota knife laws are designed to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. A knife is defined as any instrument with a blade that can be used for cutting or stabbing. This includes pocket knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, swords and other similar weapons.

Definition of a Knife

A knife is defined as any instrument with a blade that can be used for cutting or stabbing. This includes pocket knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos and swords. It also includes machetes and other large blades such as those carried by hunters or campers in South Dakota’s rural areas.

Prohibited Knives

In South Dakota, it is illegal to carry certain types of knives in public places including concealed carry locations such as schools and government buildings. These include automatic-opening (switchblade) knives; gravity/ballistic/centrifugal force assisted opening (butterfly) knives; disguised blades like belt buckle blades; throwing stars; ballistic knuckles; metal knuckles; shurikens (ninja stars); cane swords/knives and double-edged non-folding daggers or dirk type fixed blades over 5 inches long from tip to handle end when open.

Additionally, it is illegal to possess an undetectable knife that does not set off metal detectors due to its composition being made entirely out of plastic or ceramic materials instead of metal alloys normally found on traditional folding pocket knives.

Legal Carry Of Knives

Overall, South Dakota has a fairly relaxed attitude towards knife laws and allows for the legal carry of most knives. However, there are certain restrictions in place regarding concealed carry that must be taken into account when carrying a knife in public places.

Concealed Carry Laws

In South Dakota, it is illegal to carry a concealed knife in public places. This includes any type of pocket knife or other folding blades that can be easily hidden on one’s person. It is also illegal to carry a fixed-blade knife with an exposed blade longer than five inches.

Concealed Carry of Knives in Public Places

Under the law, knives must remain visible at all times when carried in public spaces such as streets, parks, and shopping centers. Carrying a concealed weapon (including knives) without a valid permit is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor offense and could result in up to one-year imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,000.

Exceptions to the Concealed Carry Law

There are some exceptions for carrying concealed weapons including certain types of hunting knives used for fishing or hunting activities; daggers worn by members of the military; and switchblades kept within private residences or vehicles while traveling from place to place. Additionally, people who have obtained permits from their local sheriff may legally carry certain types of firearms (including handguns) as well as concealable blades such as pocketknives if they meet specific criteria outlined by state law enforcement agencies.

Concealed carry laws in South Dakota provide clear regulations for carrying knives, but open carry laws are a bit more complex. To learn more about the rules and exceptions regarding open carry of knives, read on to the next heading.

Open Carry Laws

Open Carry of Knives in Public Places

In South Dakota, it is legal to openly carry a knife in public places. This includes pocket knives, folding knives, and other types of knives that are not prohibited by law. However, there are certain restrictions on the type of knife you can open carry. For example, switchblades and automatic knives with blades longer than 3 inches are prohibited from being carried openly in public places.

Exceptions to the Open Carry Law

There are some exceptions to the open carry laws for knives in South Dakota. It is illegal to open carry any kind of weapon or dangerous instrument while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while committing a crime, or if you have been convicted of a felony involving violence within 10 years prior to carrying the weapon or dangerous instrument. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to open carry any kind of knife without parental supervision.

Open carry laws in South Dakota provide citizens with the right to openly carry knives, as long as they abide by certain exceptions. The next section will cover age restrictions for carrying knives.

Age Restrictions for Carrying Knives

This includes pocket knives, switchblades, hunting knives, and any other type of knife with a blade that exceeds this length.

Minors may possess and carry folding pocket knives if they are used in connection with lawful activities such as hunting or fishing. However, minors must be supervised by an adult while carrying these types of knives. It is also important to note that some cities within South Dakota have their own laws regarding the possession and carrying of knives by minors which may be more restrictive than state law.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or receive any kind of weapon from a firearms dealer without written permission from their parent or guardian. Additionally, no person shall knowingly sell any firearm or dangerous weapon to any minor unless they are accompanied by an adult who has been authorized in writing by the minor’s parent or guardian.

Finally, it should be noted that certain places such as schools prohibit the possession and/or carrying of all weapons including pocketknives regardless of age restrictions set forth in state law. Therefore, it is important for individuals to familiarize themselves with local laws before possessing or carrying any type of knife on school property even if they meet the legal requirements outlined above.

In South Dakota, individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to carry knives, so it is important for knife owners to be aware of the legal restrictions in place. Moving on from this topic, let’s take a look at what regulations exist when it comes to possessing dangerous weapons on school property.

Possession of Dangerous Weapons on School Property

A “dangerous weapon” is defined as any instrument or device designed for and capable of threatening or producing bodily harm, including but not limited to firearms, explosives, knives with blades longer than four inches (4″), switchblade knives, daggers, slingshots and metal knuckles. Possession of such weapons in a school zone can result in criminal charges.

The law applies to all schools within the state – public and private – as well as college campuses. It also includes school buses and other vehicles used by students while they are en route to or from school activities. Even if the person possessing the weapon has no intention of using it against another person or property, he/she may still be charged with a crime if found in possession of one on school grounds.

Under South Dakota law, anyone who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon on school property can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines of up to $2,000. If convicted under this statute more than once within five years of each other then that individual could face felony charges which carry harsher penalties including prison time of up to 10 years depending upon the circumstances surrounding each offense.

Possession of dangerous weapons on school property is prohibited and can result in serious legal consequences. It’s important to understand the knife laws in South Dakota, so let’s take a look at what penalties you could face for violating them.

Penalties for Violating Knife Laws in South Dakota

Penalties for violating knife laws in South Dakota can vary depending on the severity of the offense. Generally, carrying a prohibited knife or carrying a legal knife in an illegal manner is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries with it up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000. Carrying any type of dangerous weapon on school property is also considered a Class 1 misdemeanor.

If someone uses a deadly weapon during the commission of another crime, they could face additional charges such as aggravated assault or attempted murder which carry much harsher penalties than those associated with simple possession of knives.

In addition to criminal penalties, individuals who violate South Dakota’s knife laws may also be subject to civil liability if their actions result in injury or death to another person. This means that victims have the right to sue for damages related to medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work days, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other losses resulting from the incident.

It is important for anyone considering purchasing or carrying pocket knives in South Dakota to familiarize themselves with state laws before doing so. Ignorance of these laws does not excuse violations and can lead to serious consequences including fines and possible jail time, as well as civil liabilities if injuries occur due to negligence or recklessness while using knives illegally.

Resources for Further Information

Finding more information about knife laws in South Dakota can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help people learn more about the state’s regulations and restrictions on knives.

Websites

The official website of the South Dakota Attorney General is an excellent source for researching knife laws in the state. It contains information on legal definitions of knives, prohibited weapons, concealed carry laws, open carry laws, age restrictions for carrying knives, possession of dangerous weapons on school property, and penalties for violating knife laws in South Dakota.

For further questions or inquiries regarding specific details related to South Dakota’s knife law statutes or enforcement policies, it is recommended that individuals contact their local law enforcement agency directly. They are best equipped to provide accurate answers based on current legislation and judicial decisions pertaining to this matter.

Books

There are also books available that cover various aspects of the law relating to pocket knives in South Dakota such as “Knife Laws Of The U.S.

Loopholes, Pitfalls & Secrets” by Evan F Nappen provides detailed explanations of each state’s individual statutes along with case-studies from court cases involving these issues throughout America over time.

Overall, it is important to understand what types of blades are legally allowed within your area before purchasing any type of pocketknife in order to avoid potential criminal charges due to ignorance or misunderstanding regarding applicable regulations governing them in your region.

FAQs in Relation to South Dakota Knife Law

Are OTF knives legal in South Dakota?

However, Out-the-Front (OTF) knives are not allowed due to their ability to quickly deploy the blade. OTF knives are considered “switchblades” under state law and thus prohibited from owning or carrying without special permission from local authorities. It is important for individuals who wish to own an OTF knife in South Dakota to understand the laws before doing so as violations can result in fines or even jail time depending on the circumstances.

Is it legal to carry a sword in South Dakota?

No, it is not legal to carry a sword in South Dakota. Carrying any type of weapon with a blade longer than five inches is prohibited by state law. This includes swords, daggers, and other bladed weapons that are considered dangerous or deadly weapons. Violation of this law can result in criminal charges including fines and possible jail time. It is important to be aware of the laws regarding carrying knives and other weapons before traveling or purchasing one for personal use.

Are brass knuckles illegal in South Dakota?

Yes, brass knuckles are illegal in South Dakota. Possession of these weapons is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. Carrying or using them for any purpose other than self-defense is considered a felony offense and can result in more severe penalties. It is important to note that even if the brass knuckles are not used as a weapon, simply possessing them could lead to criminal charges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, South Dakota knife laws are quite specific and it is important to be aware of them before carrying a pocket knife in the state.

While concealed carry is generally prohibited, open carry is allowed for most knives as long as you are over 18 years old.

Additionally, possession of dangerous weapons on school property is illegal and can result in severe penalties if violated. It’s always best to check with local law enforcement or consult an attorney if you have any questions about South Dakota knife law or other related regulations.

We need to ensure that South Dakota knife laws are fair and just, so everyone can safely enjoy their pocket knives. By taking a proactive stance on issues as they arise we can make sure that future generations have the same access to pocket knives without fear of legal repercussions or harm coming to them or others.