Keeping a (non-firearm) weapon in my car at highschool?

[StealthBeast]

§ 912. Possession of weapon on school property.
(a) Definition.--Notwithstanding the definition of "weapon"
in section 907 (relating to possessing instruments of crime),
"weapon" for purposes of this section shall include but not be
limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nun-
chuck stick, firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool,
instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily
injury.
(b) Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the
first degree if he possesses a weapon in the buildings of, on
the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to
or from any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational
institution, any elementary or secondary private school licensed
by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary
parochial school.
(c) Defense.--It shall be a defense that the weapon is
possessed and used in conjunction with a lawful supervised
school activity or course or is possessed for other lawful
purpose.

I drive my parent's car to school. I used to keep nunchaku in the car until I found it specifically in state law that doing so might be illegal.

I now keep a small bottle of pepper-spray in the car.. specifically one of these http://www.dormbuys.com/shop/product/166 And I'm not happy with that.

My car stays parked in the back of the school's large parking lot (It's literally about a 2 minute walk to the entrance). It is the school's property. I want to keep a 4 inch folding knife in my car for self-defense, to cut the seat-belt should it ever jam in an accident, and of course for the every day million and a half uses for a knife.

The first question is: Is a knife, in my car, parked in the school parking lot considered "on the grounds of" of my school? If so, does self-defense, emergency, or everyday use prove that I possess and use it for "other lawful purpose"?

The way the school is positioned, there isn't any public parking for over a mile.. So I really don't have a choice but to park in the school lot.

[Kaos]

state law is one thing to consider - but - what does your school handbook say as well? You generally have to sign those at most schools now and hand them in - so what does it say? (my guess is you're screwed).

[Zef_66]

I agree with Kaos. Most school handbooks are more prohibitive on weapons. I would venture to say that any typical "self-defense" item is going to be not allowed on school grounds. And yes, that includes the parking lot. But definitely check with your school handbook.

[giantdad]

A few years ago I was a volunteer coach at the high school and came straight from work ( electrician).I had my knife on my belt and when security saw it they went nuts.Threatened to call PSP. I offered to put it in my car and they said "no it must be removed off the grounds". Had to call the wife to come down and get it.

[StealthBeast]

You all make a great point, but I'm not very concerned with my school's cute little rules. I'm concerned to whether it is legally a "Misdemeanor of the first degree".

[tlgpa]

You all make a great point, but I'm not very concerned with my school's cute little rules.

Violating that particular "cute little rule" could be grounds for expulsion.

[Nic]

Do not possess a weapon of any sort on school property. If you are concerned with cutting a seatbelt, get a Firefighter/EMS Lifesaver-type seatbelt cutter, and a Leatherman type multi-tool without a knife blade for other everyday uses.

...and yes, the parking lot is school property.

[Kaos]

You all make a great point, but I'm not very concerned with my school's cute little rules. I'm concerned to whether it is legally a "Misdemeanor of the first degree".

Did you sign an acknowledgement of the school policies? (just a question)

If you want to be the one to test this - keep a shotgun in your car or a knife or what have you. I know you're 18 now - im guessing you still live at home - how do your parents feel about this?

[jon'76]

I was in your situation until 2 years ago so I understand your pain.

1.)Read your school handbook and see if they have the right to search your car if its on district property.
2.) Consider the consequences fully
3.) Keep what you consider reasonable and rational in your vehicle
I chose to do the following:

Kept whatever I wanted in my trunk in an emergency kit. In HS I always had a large knife (7") in a duffel bag in my trunk, because it is an essential part of any emergency bag. I kept a duffel bag with the following inside my trunk at all times:

flares
knife
firstaid kit
rope
duct tape
multi-tool
lighter/matches
flashlight
water bottles/nutrigrain bars (hard granola as chewy melts )
old deactivated cell phone/2 charged batteries (for 911)

If you have a weapon (knife) in a kit like that it is a nonissue unless the cop is a complete ass and the school hates you.

If I were you I would just keep a simple emergency kit in your trunk, and by emergency I don't mean a B.O.B. I mean a standard my-car-broke-down-and-I-have-a-wait-on-my-hands bag.

[StealthBeast]

Cutting a seat belt is secondary.
In truth, self-defense is my priority.

Yes, I signed a paper saying I'd abide school policies, but again, I don't really care for the cute little rules.

And no, they can't search my car.