Understanding Your Knife Rights in Louisiana: A Legal Guide

Published On: August 21, 2025

Understanding Your Knife Rights in Louisiana: A Legal Guide

Louisiana’s knife laws have evolved significantly over recent years, aiming to clarify and protect residents’ rights to own and carry knives while addressing public safety concerns. As of 2025, Louisiana allows extensive freedom to possess, carry, and use a variety of knives—both openly and concealed—with some important exceptions and restrictions to be aware of.

Ownership and Possession Rights

In Louisiana, individuals generally have the right to own and possess all types of knives, including folding, fixed blades, assisted-opening, and automatic or switchblade knives. The state does not prohibit the possession of switchblades or automatic knives per se, and there are no limitations on ownership regardless of blade length.

Carrying Knives: Open and Concealed

As of August 1, 2022, Louisiana no longer prohibits the intentional concealment of automatic/switchblade knives. This means you may carry both open and concealed knives, including switchblades, legally throughout the state—something that was prohibited previously but has since been repealed.

Louisiana law includes a “bias toward closure” provision that specifically protects knives that can be opened with one hand, such as assisted-opening knives, gravity knives, or knives that use a thumb stud. These types of knives are all legal to carry without restriction.

Restricted Locations and Exceptions

Despite Louisiana’s broadly permissive stance on knife ownership and carry, there are notable restrictions regarding certain locations:

School Property: Knives are prohibited on the grounds of elementary, secondary, and vocational schools, including school buses and school-sponsored activities.

Certain Institutions: Other public buildings or government locations may have specific prohibitions, and it is advisable to check local regulations before carrying knives in restricted areas.

Additionally, while law enforcement and military personnel are generally exempt from many restrictions regarding carrying knives as part of their official duties, concealed carry of automatic knives by law enforcement is not permitted.

Blade Length Restrictions and Intent

There are no statewide blade length restrictions for knife carry in Louisiana. However, carrying a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully or against another person is prohibited and can lead to criminal charges under state laws governing illegal use of weapons.

Preemption and Local Ordinances

As of August 1, 2024, Louisiana passed a statewide knife law preemption bill, which supersedes any local ordinances that conflict with state knife laws. This means:

Cities and parishes cannot enact knife regulations more restrictive than state law.

Knife owners can expect consistent knife law enforcement across Louisiana.

Local bans or regulations that previously confused knife owners will no longer apply.

Key Knife Rights in Louisiana

Full ownership rights for all types of knives, including switchblades.

Legal to carry open or concealed knives, without blade length limits.

Concealment of automatic knives is legal.

Restrictions apply on school properties and certain government locations.

Knife laws are preempted statewide to avoid conflicting local rules.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Louisiana offers some of the broadest knife rights in the U.S., granting residents and visitors freedom to carry and use knives openly or concealed without many limitations. However, it remains essential to respect restricted areas, avoid unlawful intent, and stay informed about recent legal updates such as the 2024 preemption law.

By understanding these knife laws, Louisiana citizens can confidently exercise their rights while ensuring compliance with safety regulations that protect communities and public institutions. Whether for everyday carry, work, hunting, or recreational use, Louisiana’s knife laws provide a clear framework for ownership and carry in 2025.