Understanding the legal landscape of pocket knives in North Dakota involves examining state laws, local ordinances, and specific restrictions on ownership and carrying. Below is a detailed summary:
Ownership of Pocket Knives
- North Dakota permits the ownership of all types of knives, including folding pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, and automatic (switchblade) knives. There are no state laws categorically banning any knife types based on characteristics or blade length.
Carrying Pocket Knives
Open Carry
- Open carry of pocket knives is generally allowed without specific blade length restrictions. However, carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon is prohibited.
Concealed Carry
- Concealed carry laws are stricter:
- Knives with blades over 5 inches are classified as “dangerous weapons” and cannot be carried concealed without a permit.
- Folding pocket knives with blades of 4 inches or less are exceptions and can be carried concealed without a permit.
- Automatic or switchblade knives require a concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license for concealed carry.
Restricted Locations
Carrying any knife is prohibited in certain areas, including:
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Courthouses
- Airports
- Prisons
- Other secure facilities.
Additionally, private businesses may impose their own restrictions on carrying knives on their premises.
Local Ordinances
North Dakota does not have statewide preemption laws for knife regulations. This means municipalities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks may have stricter ordinances governing knife possession and usage.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a concealed “dangerous weapon” without a permit is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail and/or fines up to $3,000.
- Lesser violations may result in Class B misdemeanors with lighter penalti
- The minimum age to own or carry a pocket knife is 18 years. Exceptions exist for activities like hunting or outdoor recreation where carrying a knife is necessary.
Exceptions
Certain professionals (e.g., chefs) and members of law enforcement or the military may be exempt from some restrictions when carrying knives as part of their duties.
Understanding these laws helps ensure compliance while owning or carrying pocket knives in North Dakota. Always check local ordinances for additional regulations.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/north-dakota-knife-law/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-dakota/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
- https://knifeup.com/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- Violating knife laws can result in criminal charges:
- Carrying a concealed “dangerous weapon” without a permit is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail and/or fines up to $3,000.
- Lesser violations may result in Class B misdemeanors with lighter penalti
- The minimum age to own or carry a pocket knife is 18 years. Exceptions exist for activities like hunting or outdoor recreation where carrying a knife is necessary.
Exceptions
Certain professionals (e.g., chefs) and members of law enforcement or the military may be exempt from some restrictions when carrying knives as part of their duties.
Understanding these laws helps ensure compliance while owning or carrying pocket knives in North Dakota. Always check local ordinances for additional regulations.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/north-dakota-knife-law/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-dakota/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
- https://knifeup.com/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- Violating knife laws can result in criminal charges:
- Carrying a concealed “dangerous weapon” without a permit is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail and/or fines up to $3,000.
- Lesser violations may result in Class B misdemeanors with lighter penalti
- The minimum age to own or carry a pocket knife is 18 years. Exceptions exist for activities like hunting or outdoor recreation where carrying a knife is necessary.
Exceptions
Certain professionals (e.g., chefs) and members of law enforcement or the military may be exempt from some restrictions when carrying knives as part of their duties.
Understanding these laws helps ensure compliance while owning or carrying pocket knives in North Dakota. Always check local ordinances for additional regulations.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/north-dakota-knife-law/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-dakota/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
- https://knifeup.com/north-dakota-knife-laws/
