South Carolina § 16-23-430 - Carrying weapon on school property.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-23-430 — Carrying weapon on school property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-23-430. Carrying weapon on school property.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person, except state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers or personnel authorized by school officials, to carry on his person, while on any elementary or secondary school property, a knife, with a blade over two inches long, a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, firearms, or any other type of weapon, device, or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.
(B) This section does not apply when the weapon remains inside an attended or locked motor vehicle and is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Any weapon or object used in violation of this section may be confiscated by the law enforcement division making the arrest.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 16-141.2; 1971 (57) 535; 1990 Act No. 579, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 184, SECTION 48; 2009 Act No. 32, SECTION 1, eff June 2, 2009; 2024 Act No. 111 (H.3594), SECTION 7, eff March 7, 2024.
Editor's Note
1990 Act No. 579, SECTION 7, eff June 12, 1990, provides as follows:
"SECTION 7. This act may be cited as the 'Safe Schools Act of 1990'."
2024 Act No. 111, SECTIONS 1 and 24, provide as follows:
"SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the 'South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024'."
"SECTION 24. No provision in this act should be construed as the General Assembly discouraging responsible gun ownership; and the General Assembly, in fact, encourages all gun owners to pursue and receive appropriate gun safety training before carrying a firearm or weapon."
Effect of Amendment
2024 Act No. 111, SECTION 7, in (B), deleted "to a person who is authorized to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23" following "does not apply".
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-23-430
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-23-430 cover?
Section 16-23-430 ("Carrying weapon on school property.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 16-23-430?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-23-430" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-23-430 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.