Category D weapons (free acquisition and possession)
Verified 31 January 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
What are the over-the-counter weapons ? Here are the main rules to know about weapons classified in category D.
The following weapons, classified in category D, may be freely purchased and held:
Ranking | Designation | Features |
---|---|---|
D - (a) | Object that may constitute a weapon dangerous to public safety | Examples: camouflaged non-firearm, dagger, knife-knife, baton, hypodermic projector |
D - b) | Some tear gas or stun spray cans | Capacity of up to 100 ml |
D - c) | Certain electrical contact impulse weapons | Examples: electric baton, electric fist, some models of shake |
D - d) | A weapon classified as e, f or g that has been neutralized | |
D - e) | Historical and collector's weapon | Some pre-1900 non-hazardous models |
D - f) | Reproduction of weapon | Pre-1900 model. Shoot only ammunition without a metal case. Manufacturing should not improve its accuracy and durability. |
D - g) | Historical and collector's weapon | Some post-1900 models on a list of Ministries of Interior and Defense |
D - h) | Weapon and launcher having a projectile propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner | Energy in the mouth between 2 and 20 joules Examples: paint ball launcher, air rifle |
D - k) | Neutralized warfare equipment (rendered unfit for fire) | Pre-1946 model except deactivated Class A, B or C firearms |
D - l) | Neutralized warfare equipment (rendered unfit for fire) | Post-1946 model listed by the Ministry of Defense |
No, no, no. You must be major to acquire a category D weapon, including its components and ammunition.
The port and the transport of a D-category weapon outside your home (for example, in your car) are prohibited without legitimate grounds.
In case of security check (check of a bag, a vehicle...), you must be able to provide a legitimate reason.
To determine if you have a valid reason to carry or transport a weapon, law enforcement, or the judge in case of dispute, take into account location, circumstances and context. The examination of legitimate grounds is done on a case-by-case basis. Thus, to claim that the weapon would be used to better deal with an altercation or danger is not a legitimate ground in itself. It depends on the location, the circumstances, and the context.
Penalties for carrying or transporting a Class D weapon out of your home without legitimate cause vary by weapon.
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Weapon and launcher, the projectile of which is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner (mouth energy between 2 and 20 joules)
You may be fined €750.
Example :
Paintball thrower, air rifle.
Category D firearm
You may be fined €15,000 and 1 year in prison.
If you commit the offense with another person, you risk a fine of €30,000 and 2 years in prison.
Other category D weapon
You may be fined €15,000 and 1 year in prison.
If you commit the offense with another person, you risk a fine of €30,000 and 2 years in prison.
However, if you voluntarily hand the weapon over to law enforcement, you risk a flat-rate fine of €500. The amount is reduced (€400) or increased (€1,000) according to the time limit within which you pay the fine.
FYI
In spaces and vehicles used for public transport, it is forbidden any person to wear, visibly, any object resembling a category A to D weapon could cause a disorder in public order. Failure to comply with this rule is sanctioned by a fine up to €750. The object used to commit the offense may be confiscated.
Who can help me?
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- Prefecture
Paris Police Department - Arms and Explosives Section
The Arms and Explosives Section does not receive users.
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Police prefecture
General Police Directorate
Office of Administrative Police
Arms and Explosives Section
1 bis rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
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From contact form
Classification of weapons
Carrying and transporting a weapon
Penalties for carrying and transporting a category D weapon (Articles L317-7 to L317-8)
Classification of war materials, weapons and ammunition
Arms conservation
Authorization to carry and transport
Penalties for carriage and transport