Can you carry a weapon to defend yourself (knife, tear gas...)?

Verified 31 January 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Only a gun classified in category D may be freely bought and held.

However, 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.

Tableau - Weapons classified in category D (excluding ammunition)

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

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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