Louisiana maintains one of the most permissive legal landscapes for pocket knives in the U.S., allowing open and concealed carry of virtually all types without blade length restrictions following 2024 reforms.
Recent preemption laws (SB 194, effective August 1, 2024) override stricter local ordinances, ensuring uniform statewide rules that include switchblades, assisted-openers, and fixed blades. Possession remains lawful except in schools or with felonious intent, prioritizing self-defense rights under state preemption.
Ownership Rules
Individuals 18 and older may own any pocket knife, including folding blades, butterfly knives, OTF automatics, and switchblades, with no state bans on types or sizes. Statewide preemption prevents cities like New Orleans or Baton Rouge from imposing tighter rules, a change Knife Rights championed to eliminate patchwork enforcement. Minors face no explicit age limits outside schools, but parental supervision applies for safety.
Carry Permissions
Open carry poses no restrictions anywhere in public, while concealed carry—previously limited on blades over 3.5 inches—now permits all knives openly or hidden without permits. Assisted-opening pocket knives (e.g., thumb stud models) qualify as legal since 2012 amendments incorporated bias-toward-closure standards. Self-defense use aligns with “Stand Your Ground” laws (RS 14:20), proportional to threats faced.
Restricted Locations
Knives cannot enter elementary, secondary schools, vocational schools, school buses, or events (§14:95.2), enforced strictly with misdemeanor penalties. Other no-go zones mirror concealed handgun permit exclusions: courthouses, jails, polling places, and government buildings posting bans. Commercial transport (e.g., rideshares) follows general rules unless employer policies differ.
Penalties for Violations
Intentional unlawful use (e.g., brandishing as a weapon) falls under illegal carrying (§14:95), a misdemeanor with up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine, escalating to felonies if tied to crimes. Felons remain barred from possession (§14:95.1). Local preemption violations now void, reducing entrapment risks for travelers.
Knife Types Comparison
SOURCES:
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/louisiana-knife-law-preemption-bill-signed/
- https://www.blingsting.com/blogs/news/self-defense-laws-in-louisiana-legal-weapons
