All Laws Decoded

Brass Knuckles Laws in South Dakota

The rules on brass knuckles in South Dakota: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: South Dakota has no state law that specifically bans brass knuckles: the unlawful-use-of-weapons chapter does not mention knuckles. SDCL ch. 22-14 (reviewed); §§ 22-1-2(10), 22-14-23, 13-32-7

Brass knucklesSouth Dakota has no state law that specifically bans brass knuckles: the unlawful-use-of-weapons chapter does not mention knuckles. The general definition of "dangerous weapon" covers any device or instrument designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm or likely to do so by the way it is used, and dangerous weapons are banned in county courthouses and the state capitol and on public elementary and secondary school property (each a Class 1 misdemeanor, with listed exceptions).
Reviewed SDCL chapter 22-14 on 2026-10-31; no provision found.

More South Dakota criminal law

FAQ

Are brass knuckles illegal in South Dakota?
South Dakota has no state law that specifically bans brass knuckles: the unlawful-use-of-weapons chapter does not mention knuckles. The general definition of "dangerous weapon" covers any device or instrument designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm or likely to do so by the way it is used, and dangerous weapons are banned in county courthouses and the state capitol and on public elementary and secondary school property (each a Class 1 misdemeanor, with listed exceptions).

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.