Where Guns Are Barred
SDCL § 13-32-7 and SDCL § 22-14-23 — public schools, courthouses and the capitol, and the permit holder inside a vehicle
Carrying or possessing a firearm, air gun or dangerous weapon on public elementary or secondary school premises, in a school vehicle or building, or where school functions are held, is a Class 1 misdemeanor, whether or not anyone is endangered.
- A law enforcement officer, or a trained school sentinel.
- A person twenty-one years of age or older with an enhanced permit and the principal's written permission.
- A person with any concealed pistol permit while inside a motor vehicle, or securing or retrieving a pistol from it.
- A firing range, a gun show, or supervised firearms training.
Those are among the exceptions. Knowingly having a firearm or other dangerous weapon in any county courthouse or in the state capitol is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Federal buildings and private property set their own rules. A particular place is a question for a licensed South Dakota attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- SDCL § 13-32-7 — Possession of firearm or dangerous weapon; Public elementary or secondary school premises or vehicle; Penalty; Exceptions
- SDCL § 22-14-23 — Possession in county courthouse or state capitol; Misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Dakota attorney.