Knives and pepper spray in South Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: South Dakota's weapons chapter makes concealing a controlled or dangerous weapon with intent to commit a felony a Class 5 felony. A dangerous weapon includes any knife designed to or likely to inflict death or serious harm.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 22-14 has no general rule on carrying a folding knife. A person who conceals a controlled or dangerous weapon on or about their person with intent to commit a felony commits a Class 5 felony. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 22-14 has no general rule on carrying a fixed-blade knife. A dangerous weapon is defined to include any knife or other device calculated or designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm, or likely to do so by the manner of its use. [2] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- This covers chapter 22-14 only. Rules for county courthouses, schools and local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- South Dakota Legislature: South Dakota Codified Laws 22-14-8 Concealment of weapon with intent to commit felony (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Dakota Legislature: South Dakota Codified Laws 22-1-2 Definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Only an offence if used in a crime | Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed | Only an offence if used in a crime | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Ordinary folding knives not named | Automatic switch blade knives banned | No general ban; school ban and unlawful-use offence | Allowed if aerosol, labelled, dated; under 16 need consent | — |
| Montana | Carry offence covers firearms only | No section on automatic knives listed | No offence for carrying fixed blades listed | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| North Dakota | Not named if blade under 6 in | Switchblade/gravity knives named | Dangerous weapon; licence for concealed | Excluded from dangerous weapons | Licence (18+) or exemption |
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
More rules in South Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 2 oz)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unposted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph township roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class III: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.85 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (calls allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers aged 5 to 17
- 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+ (purchase, possess, consume) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume)
- 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.