South Dakota has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, with few restrictions on ownership or carry. Here’s what you need to know about your knife rights in South Dakota:
Ownership and Possession
South Dakota law does not restrict the types of knives that can be owned or possessed. This means you can legally own:
- Pocket knives
- Bowie knives
- Switchblades
- Butterfly knives
- Daggers
- Swords
- Any other type of knife
There are no blade length restrictions for knife ownership in South Dakota.
Carrying Knives
Open Carry
Open carry of any type of knife is generally permitted in South Dakota. You can openly carry knives of any blade length without restrictions.
Concealed Carry
South Dakota law allows for the concealed carry of knives without a permit. There are no blade length restrictions for concealed carry. However, it’s important to note that concealing a knife with the intent to commit a felony is illegal.
Restricted Locations
While South Dakota’s knife laws are generally permissive, there are some locations where carrying knives is prohibited:
- Public schools
- County courthouses
- State capitol building
Local Ordinances
While state law is permissive, some municipalities in South Dakota have enacted more restrictive local ordinances. For example:
- Rapid City prohibits concealed carry of knives with blades exceeding 3 inches
- Sioux Falls bans concealed carry of certain knife types like daggers and Bowie knives
- Aberdeen restricts concealed carry of “dangerous weapons” without a valid license
- Sturgis has similar restrictions on concealed carry of various knife types
It’s crucial to check local ordinances when traveling within South Dakota, as these may be more restrictive than state law.
Intent and Use
While knife ownership and carry are broadly permitted, using a knife as a weapon or with criminal intent remains illegal. The law focuses more on the person’s actions and intent rather than the knife itself.
South Dakota’s knife laws are among the most lenient in the country. At the state level, there are virtually no restrictions on knife ownership or carry. However, local ordinances in some cities impose additional restrictions, particularly on concealed carry. As a knife owner in South Dakota, it’s important to:
- Be aware of local ordinances in your area and when traveling within the state
- Avoid carrying knives in restricted locations like schools and courthouses
- Never carry a knife with the intent to commit a crime
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can exercise your knife rights responsibly in South Dakota.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/south-dakota-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa
[3] https://www.handgunlaw.us/states/southdakota.pdf
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/south-dakota/
