North Dakota Knife Laws: Carry Rules & Limits

Carrying a knife in North Dakota is largely straightforward, but understanding the legal details is important for anyone who carries. Knife regulations are found in Title 62.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. In 2025, House Bill 1588 introduced several changes to these laws.

Most knives may be carried openly without a license or restriction. However, concealed carry and blade length rules impose additional requirements, and violations can result in serious penalties, including jail time.

North Dakota’s knife laws, including the changes made under House Bill 1588, define how knives may be owned, carried, and transported within the state.

Knife Carry Under North Dakota Law

• All knives are legal to own in North Dakota. No knife type is outright prohibited.

• Open carry of any knife is permitted statewide.

• As of April 2025, a knife with a blade of 6 inches or longer is classified as a dangerous weapon under state law. Before this change, the threshold was 5 inches.

• Switchblades, gravity knives, machetes, stilettos, swords, daggers, and scimitars are classified as dangerous weapons regardless of blade length.

• Carrying a dangerous weapon concealed requires a North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or a valid license from a state with reciprocity.

• Restricted locations include schools, churches, sporting events, government-owned buildings, and liquor establishments.

• Violations are generally Class A misdemeanors, carrying a maximum of 360 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

• Local ordinances in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks may have additional rules on knife carry.

What Counts as a Dangerous Weapon

Under Section 62.1-01-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, certain knives fall under the category of “dangerous weapon.” The following types qualify regardless of blade length:

House Bill 1588, enacted in April 2025, raised the blade length threshold for dangerous weapons from 5 inches to 6 inches. A knife with a blade under 6 inches that is not a switchblade, gravity knife, stiletto, dagger, machete, scimitar, or sword does not fall under the dangerous weapon classification.

In State v. Vermilya, 153 N.W.2d 423, the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled that the term “includes” in the dangerous weapon definition expands, rather than limits, the types of items that can be considered dangerous weapons.

In that case, a person was convicted of carrying a modified straight razor that could no longer be used for shaving but had been adapted for use as a weapon. The Court held that a cutting instrument not specifically named in the statute may still be classified as a dangerous weapon based on its modification or intended use. The list of dangerous weapons is not exhaustive.

Open Carry Rules

No knives are prohibited in North Dakota. Any knife may be owned or carried openly, including switchblades, swords, and machetes. Open carry does not require a license or permit.

Concealed Carry Rules

Concealed carry is subject to specific restrictions. Under state law, a firearm or dangerous weapon is considered concealed if it is carried in a way that is not visible to a passerby during ordinary observation.

Absolute invisibility is not required. If a knife is worn under clothing, carried in a bundle, or transported in a vehicle under the owner's control, such as under a seat or inside a glove compartment, it is considered concealed.

The concealed carry rules for knives are as follows:

• Knives that are not dangerous weapons (blades under 6 inches, and not one of the listed types): You can carry these concealed without a license.

• Knives that are dangerous weapons: You need a North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license, or a concealed carry license issued by a state that has a reciprocity agreement with North Dakota.

North Dakota allows constitutional carry, which permits concealed carry without a license in many situations. This provision does not apply to knives classified as dangerous weapons. Carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, including certain knives, requires a license.

Changes from House Bill 1588

House Bill 1588 also introduced the following changes:

• It removed the obligation to report to law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm if you are doing so without a concealed carry permit.

• It reduced the penalty for carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon at a public gathering from an infraction to a noncriminal offense with a $100 fine.

• It authorized the State Board of Higher Education to allow firearms on school property and in buildings.

Where You Cannot Carry a Dangerous Weapon

Certain locations restrict possession of dangerous weapons, including qualifying knives. Section 62.1-02-05 of the Century Code governs possession at public gatherings.

Restricted Locations

Carrying a dangerous weapon in a liquor establishment is a Class A misdemeanor. Under House Bill 1588, carrying a firearm at a public gathering is classified as a noncriminal offense with a $100 fine, rather than an infraction.

Penalties

Violations of the dangerous weapon laws found in Chapter 62.1 are classified as Class A misdemeanors.

The penalty for carrying a concealed dangerous weapon without the proper license is a Class A misdemeanor. However, carrying one into a public gathering results in a $100 noncriminal fine under the new law.

Local Ordinances

North Dakota law prevents counties and cities from enacting their own ordinances on firearm or ammunition ownership, possession, licensing, transportation, or registration. Existing local ordinances on these subjects are void.

However, this preemption applies specifically to firearms and does not explicitly extend to all dangerous weapons, including knives. Municipalities may maintain their own rules regarding the carrying and possession of knives.

A few cities with their own ordinances include:

• Bismarck: Section 6-08 covers weapons.

• Fargo: Section 10-0304 addresses carrying, possession, and discharge of dangerous weapons.

• Grand Forks: Maintains local weapon ordinances as well.

Anyone residing in or visiting these cities should consult the local code. State law establishes the baseline, but city ordinances may impose additional restrictions within city limits.

Carrying a Knife in Your Vehicle

A knife stored in a vehicle is considered concealed if it is under the owner's control, including placement beneath a seat, in the glove compartment, or anywhere out of view. If the knife is classified as a dangerous weapon, a concealed carry license is required for transport.

Knives that do not meet the dangerous weapon definition can be kept in your vehicle without a license.

North Dakota Knife Law in Practice

Carrying a folding knife or a fixed-blade knife with a blade under 6 inches that is not a switchblade, gravity knife, stiletto, or dagger generally does not require a license, whether carried openly or concealed. Restricted areas such as schools, churches, and government buildings remain off-limits.

Carrying a switchblade, a large fixed blade, or any knife classified as a dangerous weapon requires either open carry or a concealed carry license. Location restrictions and applicable local ordinances must also be considered.

The 2025 changes under House Bill 1588 raised the blade-length threshold and reduced penalties for public-gathering violations. The overall structure of North Dakota’s knife laws remains: open carry is unrestricted, concealed carry of dangerous weapons requires a license, and certain locations are restricted.