No, brass knuckles are classified as “dangerous weapons” under South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-1-2(10), making their possession, manufacture, or sale a Class 6 felony. Local ordinances in Sioux Falls and Rapid City mirror state law, with law enforcement actively enforcing these restrictions.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in South Dakota
- Felony Prohibition: SDCL § 22-14-16 explicitly bans possession of brass knuckles, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a $4,000 fine.
- Manufacture/Sale Ban: SDCL § 22-14-17 criminalizes the production or distribution of brass knuckles, with penalties escalating to Class 5 felonies for commercial trafficking.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Aberdeen and Brookings have adopted supplementary ordinances, requiring law enforcement to seize and destroy confiscated brass knuckles under SDCL § 23A-35-10.
Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to expand background check requirements for “weapon accessories,” though brass knuckles remain unequivocally prohibited. Courts have consistently upheld convictions under these statutes, rejecting claims of ceremonial or historical use. Consult the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office or local sheriff’s departments for updated enforcement guidance.