Knives and pepper spray in South Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: South Carolina has no general rule against carrying knives, but knives with blades over two inches are banned on school property. Tear gas may be carried for self-defence only, in containers of no more than 50 cubic centimetres.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 23 contains no general rule against carrying a knife. The offence of carrying concealed weapons (former section 16-23-460) was repealed effective 7 March 2024. Knives are restricted on school property and in violent crime. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 23 contains no separate rule for locking or one-handed knives. The school property rule applies to any knife with a blade over two inches. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | On elementary or secondary school property a person may not carry a knife with a blade over two inches long, a felony. Chapter 23 contains no other rule on carrying fixed blades in public. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Possessing, using or carrying a tear-gas machine or gun is lawful for self-defence only, and the capacity of a tear-gas cartridge, shell or container may not exceed fifty cubic centimetres. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The school property rule does not apply to law enforcement officers or people authorised by school officials, or when the weapon stays in an attended or locked vehicle in a closed compartment or container. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | On elementary or secondary school property it is a felony to carry a knife with a blade over two inches, except for law enforcement officers and people authorised by school officials. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | Tear gas may be possessed and carried for self-defence only, and a tear-gas cartridge, shell or container may hold no more than 50 cubic centimetres. [1] |
Notes
- This reflects Title 16 chapter 23 only. Other chapters and local rules were not checked.
- The section speaks of tear-gas machines and guns and does not name pepper spray.
Sources
- South Carolina Legislature: South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16 Chapter 23 Offenses Involving Weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | No general rule; limits at schools | No separate rule | Felony at schools if blade over 2 in | Self-defence only; max 50 cc | Secured in vehicle: allowed |
| Georgia | Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' | No separate rule | Over 12 in: lawful weapons carrier only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, business; hunting and fishing |
| North Carolina | Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt | Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives" | No concealed carry except on own premises | Self-defence allowed if no felony conviction | Own premises; officers and military |
More rules in South Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no small bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.