Louisiana has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, thanks to recent legislative changes and the introduction of statewide preemption. If you live in or travel through Louisiana, here’s a comprehensive guide to your knife rights as of 2025.
Types of Knives You Can Own and Carry
- No Statewide Restrictions: Louisiana law allows you to own and carry virtually any type of knife. This includes folding knives, fixed blades, automatic (switchblade) knives, assisted-opening knives, gravity knives, and more.
- Automatic Knives: As of August 1, 2022, it is legal to own and carry automatic and switchblade knives, both openly and concealed. The previous ban on the intentional concealment of these knives has been repealed.
- No Blade Length Limit: There are no state-imposed blade length restrictions for either open or concealed carry.
Open and Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: You may openly carry any knife, regardless of type or blade length, anywhere in Louisiana unless you are in a restricted location.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of any knife, including automatics, is legal statewide. There are no blade length or type restrictions for concealed carry at the state level.
Statewide Preemption: Uniform Knife Laws
- What Is Preemption? Statewide preemption means that local governments cannot enact or enforce knife laws stricter than state law. This ensures consistency and prevents confusion for law-abiding citizens.
- Effective Date: Louisiana’s knife law preemption took effect August 1, 2024. Local ordinances that previously restricted knife possession or carry (such as those in Baton Rouge or New Orleans) are now overridden by state law.
Where Knives Are Prohibited
- Schools: It is illegal to carry any knife on the property of elementary, secondary, or vocational-technical schools, on school buses, or at school functions and activities.
- Certain Government Buildings: Some government facilities, particularly in cities like Shreveport, may have additional restrictions.
- Intent to Harm: Carrying a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person is a criminal offense, regardless of the knife type or location.
Age and Sale Restrictions
- No State Age Limit: There are no state-level age restrictions for owning or carrying knives in Louisiana.
- No Sale or Transfer Restrictions: There are no statewide restrictions on the sale or transfer of knives.
Penalties for Violations
- Restricted Locations: Carrying a knife in prohibited places, such as schools, can result in criminal charges, including misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
- Unlawful Intent: Using or carrying a knife with unlawful intent can lead to severe penalties, including jail time and fines.
Key Timeline of Legal Changes
- 2018: Ban on switchblades repealed.
- 2022: Concealed carry of automatic knives legalized.
- 2024: Statewide preemption law enacted, overriding local knife ordinances.
Table: Louisiana Knife Laws (2025)
| Aspect | Status/Regulation |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Legal for all types and sizes |
| Open Carry | Legal statewide |
| Concealed Carry | Legal statewide, no blade length/type restriction |
| Age Restrictions | None |
| Sale/Transfer | No restrictions |
| Statewide Preemption | Yes, effective August 1, 2024 |
| Restricted Locations | Schools, school buses, school functions, some government buildings |
| Intent to Harm | Illegal |
Key Takeaways
- You can legally own and carry any knife, openly or concealed, anywhere in Louisiana except in restricted locations like schools and certain government buildings.
- State law now overrides all local ordinances, ensuring uniform knife rights across Louisiana.
- Always avoid carrying knives where prohibited and never carry with unlawful intent.
For the most current legal updates, consult the Louisiana Revised Statutes or seek advice from a qualified attorney.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/louisiana/
[2] https://ravencresttactical.com/louisiana-knife-laws/
[3] https://knifeup.com/louisiana-knife-laws/
[4] https://knifeade.com/louisiana-knife-law/
[5] https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/louisiana-knife-law-preemption-bill-signed/