Can you carry a weapon to defend yourself (knife, tear gas...)?
Verified 06 August 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The port and the transport (e.g. in a car) of a D-category weapon 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 the lawful ground 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.
In case of non-compliance with the regulations on the carrying and transport of arms, the following penalties shall apply :
FYI
The following weapons are classified as category D. They may be purchased and held freely.
- A concealed non-firearm.
For example, an umbrella cane with swords. - A stabbing knife, a knife knife, a baton, a knife.
- Incapacitating weapon acting by projection or emission.
For example, some tear gas canisters with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. - Electric shock contact weapon that causes incapacitation and acts with touching end.
For example, an electric baton or an electric fist, but not a taser. - A weapon or launcher in which the projectile is propelled non-pyrotechnically with an energy to the mouth of between 2 and 20 joules.
For example, a paint ball launcher, a compressed air rifle. - Weapon designed exclusively for firing blank, gas or signaling ammunition, not convertible for other projectiles
Carrying and transporting a weapon
Penalties for carrying and transporting a category D weapon (Articles L317-7 to L317-8)
Classification of weapons
Classification of war materials, weapons and ammunition
Authorization to carry and transport
Penalties for carriage and transport
FAQ
Service-Public.fr