North Dakota’s knife laws are relatively permissive, but there are important distinctions between ownership, open carry, and concealed carry. Here’s what you need to know about knife rights in North Dakota:
Knife Ownership
In North Dakota, it is legal to own any type of knife. There are no restrictions on the types of knives you can possess, including:
- Switchblades
- Gravity knives
- Balisong (butterfly) knives
- Daggers
- Stilettos
- Swords
Open Carry
Open carry of knives is generally permitted in North Dakota without restrictions on blade length. You can openly carry any type of knife, including those listed above.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry of knives is more regulated:
- It is illegal to conceal carry knives with blades over 5 inches without a proper permit.
- Concealed carry of certain types of knives is prohibited without a permit, including:
- Switchblades
- Gravity knives
- Dirks
- Daggers
- Stilettos
To legally conceal carry these knives, you must have a North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or a valid CCW license from a state with reciprocity.
Restricted Locations
Certain locations prohibit carrying any type of knife, regardless of whether it’s open or concealed:
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Courthouses
- Airports
- Prisons
- Other secure facilities
Recent Legislative Developments
In 2023, Representative Claire Cory introduced HB 1479, which aims to:
- Remove certain knives from the definition of “dangerous weapon”
- Enact Knife Law Preemption to ensure consistent knife laws across the state
This bill, if passed, could further liberalize knife laws in North Dakota.
Penalties
Violating North Dakota’s knife laws can result in serious consequences:
- Typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor
- Maximum penalties: 30 days in jail and/or up to $1,500 in fines
Remember, while North Dakota’s knife laws are generally permissive, it’s crucial to understand and comply with all regulations, especially regarding concealed carry and restricted locations. Always check for any updates to local ordinances, as they may have additional restrictions beyond state law.
Sources
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/north-dakota-knife-law/
- http://www.carved.com/cdn/shop/articles/knife_travel_1200x1200.webp?v=1699046179&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji6NCk7PeKAxUaKVkFHfmNF6kQ_B16BAgLEAI
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/north-dakota-knife-law-reform-bill-introduced/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
