Knives and pepper spray in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Louisiana makes it an offence to conceal on the person a firearm or other instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon, unless the person holds a concealed handgun permit. Since 2022 the statute no longer names switchblades or any other knives, and it sets no blade-length limit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The statute does not name folding or pocket knives. It bars intentionally concealing on the person any firearm or other instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Intentionally concealing on the person any instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon is the offence of illegal carrying of weapons. The first-offence penalty is a fine of up to $500, up to six months in prison, or both. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | A person with a valid concealed handgun permit may also carry concealed an instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon, unless the section prohibits it otherwise. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Act 587 of 2022 removed the offence of concealing a switchblade or spring knife from Louisiana's illegal-carrying statute, and R.S. 14:95 no longer names knives. Intentionally concealing any instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon remains an offence, unless the person holds a concealed handgun permit. [2] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | R.S. 14:95 has not named any type of knife since Act 587 of 2022, so there is no separate rule for locking or one-handed knives. The general ban on intentionally concealing an instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon applies, except for concealed handgun permit holders. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No statewide blade-length limit in Louisiana's illegal-carrying statute (R.S. 14:95). [1] |
Notes
- The statute does not define which objects are "customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon", so it was not checked whether a given knife qualifies.
- The permit exemption refers to permits issued under R.S. 40:1379.1.1, 1379.3 and 1379.3.2.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: La. R.S. 14:95 Illegal carrying of weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: Act No. 587 of the 2022 Regular Session (HB 463): removal of knives as illegally carried weapons (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies | Concealed carry of a dangerous weapon is an offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed handgun permit holders exempt |
| Arkansas | Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully | Same rule; switchblades named in definition | Same rule; 3 in or longer counts as a knife | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, journey, officers on duty |
| Mississippi | Concealed carry of listed knives is an offence | Switchblade: no concealed carry | Concealed carry banned; visible sheath not concealed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, vehicle; sports activity |
| Texas | No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in | No separate rule | Over 5.5 in: listed places; under-18s need supervision | Small commercial dispensers excluded | School authorisation |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.