Changes to knife laws

The South Australian Government has introduced new knife laws banning the possession of swords and machetes (that do not qualify for an exemption) and making it illegal to sell a knife to a minor under the age of 18.

These changes provide police with extra tools to prevent crime, take weapons off our streets, and to keep the community safe.

Knife crime legislation reforms (phase 3) will begin July 1, 2026.

The changes amend the Summary Offences Act 1953 and include:

• A requirement for sellers of certain kinds of knives that are kept in publicly accessible areas of retail premises to ensure they are securely locked up or tethered.
• A requirement for sellers of all knives to display notices prohibiting the sale of knives to minors (under 18).

Prescribed knives

For the purposes of the requirement for retailers to store knives securely, all knives with a sharp cutting edge or sharp point, other than knives of kind that may be sold to minors.

Exemptions

The following knives are permitted to be sold to minors and exempt from the requirement to store knives securely:

• a razor blade permanently enclosed in a cartridge;
• a plastic or wooden knife used for, and intended to be disposed of after, eating;
• a butter knife, table knife or other knife of a kind typically sold in a cutlery set (whether or not the knife is actually sold in such a set), that does not have a sharp point.

Note that retailers who primarily sell fishing supplies will be exempt.

Penalties

Secure storage penalties

From 1 July, retail premises selling knives must be securely stored in a securely locked cabinet or container or securely tethered.

The maximum penalty for failing to keep prescribed knives secured is a $10,000 fine or a $1,000 expiation fee.

Prohibition notice penalties

From 1 July, 2026, a person selling knives from retail premises must display a prohibition notice regarding the sale of knives to persons under 18 years.

The maximum penalty for both offences is a $10,000 fine or a $1,000 expiation fee.

Further information

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Attorney-General's Department.