Louisiana’s knife laws have undergone major reforms in recent years, making the state one of the most permissive in the nation for knife owners. However, there are still important rules and exceptions you need to know.
What Knives Are Legal in Louisiana?
- No Statewide Restrictions on Knife Types: As of August 1, 2022, Louisiana law no longer prohibits the concealed carry of automatic (switchblade) knives. There are no statewide bans on any particular type of knife, including gravity knives, assisted-openers, or traditional pocket knives.
- Gravity and Switchblade Knives: Both are legal to own and carry, openly or concealed, for adults in Louisiana. However, gravity knives with blades less than 2 inches are subject to additional scrutiny, and intent of use may affect legality in some cases.
Carrying Knives: Open and Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: There are no state-level restrictions on openly carrying knives of any length or type.
- Concealed Carry: There are also no state-level restrictions on concealed carry of knives, regardless of blade length or type, for most adults.
- Blade Length: For most knives, there is no maximum blade length. However, for knives that open with a button or gravity (gravity knives and switchblades), a blade length of less than 2 inches is sometimes referenced in legal discussions, but recent reforms have largely removed these restrictions at the state level.
Statewide Preemption
- Uniform Laws Statewide: As of August 1, 2024, Louisiana has statewide preemption for knife laws. This means local governments and cities cannot enact knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. Knife owners can expect consistent enforcement statewide, overriding previous local rules in cities like Baton Rouge or New Orleans.
Important Restrictions and Exceptions
- Schools and School Functions: Knives are strictly prohibited on the property of elementary, secondary, and vocational-technical schools, as well as on school buses and at school-sponsored events.
- Government Buildings: Carrying knives may be restricted in certain government buildings and courthouses.
- Intent to Use Unlawfully: Carrying any knife with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person is illegal.
- Minors: There are no specific state restrictions on minors owning knives, but federal or local rules may apply.
Penalties for Violations
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Violating knife laws, especially in restricted areas or with unlawful intent, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, and confiscation of the knife.
- Confiscation: Law enforcement may confiscate knives carried in violation of the law, and they may not be returned even if charges are dropped.
Summary Table: Louisiana Knife Law Basics
| Aspect | Rule (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Knife Types Allowed | All, including switchblades and gravity knives |
| Open Carry | Legal statewide |
| Concealed Carry | Legal statewide |
| Blade Length Limit | None for most knives; <2″ for gravity/switchblade knives sometimes referenced |
| Schools/School Functions | Strictly prohibited |
| Statewide Preemption | Yes, effective August 1, 2024 |
| Intent to Use Unlawfully | Prohibited |
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana is highly permissive for knife owners: You can own and carry almost any type of knife, openly or concealed, statewide.
- Schools and some government buildings are off-limits: Never carry a knife onto school property or into restricted government facilities.
- State law overrides local ordinances: Thanks to preemption, you’re protected from conflicting local knife laws anywhere in Louisiana.
- Always use knives lawfully: Carrying with unlawful intent or in prohibited places can still result in serious legal consequences.
Stay informed and exercise your knife rights responsibly in Louisiana.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/louisiana/
- https://dailycarryco.com/blogs/everydaycarry/understanding-gravity-knife-laws-in-louisiana
- https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/louisiana-knife-law-preemption-bill-signed/