Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Open Carry of Firearms Standard
Key Facts
- Authority
- No state license required for open carry
- Rule
- Constitutional right under Article I, Section 11
- Measurement
- Schools off-limits per R.S. 14:95.2
- Authority
- State preempts municipal open-carry bans
- Age Requirement
- Minimum age 17 for handgun possession
Summary
Louisiana generally permits open carry of firearms by law-abiding adults without a license, subject to location-based restrictions and local discharge ordinances.
§95. Illegal carrying of weapons A. Illegal carrying of weapons is any of the following: (1)(a) The intentional concealment of any firearm, or other instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon, on one's person.
Full Breakdown
Louisiana has no statute prohibiting open carry of handguns or long guns by adults legally permitted to possess firearms, and Article I, Section 11 of the state constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. La. R.S. 40:1796 preempts municipal bans on open carry. Restrictions still apply in schools (R.S. 14:95.2), courthouses, polling places, parades, and licensed alcohol establishments. Federal Gun-Free School Zone limits also apply.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying in prohibited locations or by ineligible persons constitutes illegal carrying of weapons under R.S. 14:95, with penalties of fines and imprisonment up to six months for first offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open carry legal in Louisiana?
Can a parish ban open carry?
Sources
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