2025 updated Knife and Weapons Laws in South Australia

Carrying Weapons in Public

It is illegal to carry an offensive weapon or possess a dangerous article without a lawful excuse. This includes in public places, vehicles, or anywhere else you don’t have a legitimate reason to be carrying one.

Selling Knives to Minors Is Now Stricter

From 1 July 2025, it is an offence to sell a knife to anyone under 18 years old (previously the age limit was 16).

Maximum penalty: $20,000 fine or up to 2 years imprisonment

This law applies to any kind of knife, except:
- Disposable plastic or wooden cutlery
- Razor blades enclosed in cartridges (e.g., safety razors)
- Butter or table knives sold as part of a cutlery set without a sharp point

Defence: If the seller checked valid ID (e.g., driver’s licence or proof-of-age card) and was misled by false evidence of age, they may not be liable.

Supplying a Knife for Harmful Purposes

From 1 July 2025, it’s also a crime to supply a knife to a minor if you know—or should reasonably know—that they are going to use it for violence.

- If used in a serious violent offence (causing harm or death):
  Maximum penalty: $35,000 fine or 4 years in prison
- If used to illegally carry in a school, place of worship, or public area:
  Maximum penalty: $10,000 fine or 6 months in prison

“Serious offence of violence” includes assault, causing harm or death under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA).

Marketing Knives Like Weapons Is Illegal

It’s now an offence to promote or advertise knives using words or names that suggest they’re good for combat or violence.

This includes:
- Calling a knife a “combat blade” or “assassin dagger”
- Using promotional language that encourages aggressive use

Maximum penalty: $20,000 fine or up to 2 years imprisonment

Why These Changes Matter

These laws are part of South Australia’s broader strategy to prevent knife crime. The message is clear:

- Don’t sell knives to minors;
- Don’t glamorise or market knives for violence; and
- Don’t carry a knife in public without a genuine reason.

If you need more information about the new laws, or if you have been affected by them, please contact us.