Louisiana Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Louisiana. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody Armor is legal in Louisiana. Purchasing online may be prohibited, or wearing during commission of a crime carries enhanced penalties.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor, with location restrictions. Louisiana R.S. 14:95.9 makes it illegal to wear body armor on school property, at school-sponsored events, or within 1,000 feet of school property during school hours. This applies to everyone, not just felons.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions. The school zone restriction applies to wearing, not purchasing.
Penalties
Wearing body armor on school grounds: up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine. Felon possession: up to 3 years federal prison. Wearing body armor during commission of a crime of violence or dangerous offense: additional 1-5 years.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALLouisiana law prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles under La. R.S. 14:2(3) and 14:95.1. Brass knuckles are considered prohibited weapons except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for authorized personnel.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer to civilians.
Penalties
Felony charges with imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Louisiana with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. In 2022, the law was clarified to explicitly allow the concealed carry of automatic knives, which has been interpreted to include butterfly knives.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Louisiana allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under La. R.S. 40:1379.3, effective August 1, 2022. No permit is required to carry concealed firearms.
Permitless Carry Rules
Permitless concealed carry allowed for those 21+ legally allowed to possess firearms.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated with background checks for licensed dealers.
Penalties
N/A for lawful carry; penalties apply for prohibited persons under La. R.S. 14:95.1.
Minimum Age
21 years old for permitless carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Louisiana with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Louisiana with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Louisiana without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Louisiana passed a law in 2024 to allow permitless concealed carry, but this does not directly impact the state's long-standing open carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDLouisiana regulates pepper spray under La. R.S. 14:95.3. Possession is legal for self-defense, but devices must be less than 2 ounces and contain no more than 10% oleoresin capsicum. Persons convicted of certain felonies are prohibited from possession.
Carrying
Legal for self-defense; prohibited for convicted felons.
Purchase
Legal to sell with restrictions on size and concentration.
Penalties
Unlawful possession is a misdemeanor with fines and possible imprisonment.
Age Restriction
Must be 18 years or older.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Louisiana. Louisiana Revised Statutes do not list silencers as prohibited weapons, and their use for hunting is permitted under La. R.S. 56:104.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal to sell with federal compliance.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDLouisiana Revised Statutes §14:95.6 prohibits switchblade knives with blades longer than 2 inches. Possession, sale, and manufacture of such knives are illegal except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Louisiana. A 2024 law allows for the concealed carry of firearms without a permit, which may impact how non-lethal weapons are viewed and regulated in the future.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+