Can you carry a weapon to defend yourself (knife, tear gas canister...)?
Verified 24 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Only a weapon classified as category D may be bought and held freely.
However, the port and the transport of a category D weapon out of your home (for example, in your car) are prohibited without lawful cause.
In the event of a security check (checking a bag, a vehicle, etc.), you must be able to provide a legitimate reason.
To determine whether 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. Consideration of the legitimate reason is done on a case-by-case basis. Thus, to claim that the weapon would be used to better confront an altercation or danger is not a legitimate motive in itself. It depends on the location, the circumstances and the context.
Ranking | Designation | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
D - (a) | Any objects that may constitute a weapon dangerous to public safety | Examples: |
D - (b) | Tear gas or incapacitating aerosol bombs | Capacity up to 100 ml |
D - (c) | Electrical pulse contact weapons | Examples: electric baton, electric fist, some models of shocker |
D-d) | Weapon classified as e, f or g that has been neutralized | |
D-e) | Historical and collectible weapon | Non-hazardous pre-1900 models on a list of ministries of interior and defense |
D-f) | Reproduction of weapon | Pre-1900 model. Shoots only ammunition without a metal case. Manufacturing should not improve its accuracy and durability. |
D-g) | Historical and collectible weapon | Models after 1900 on a list of ministries of interior and defense |
D-h) | Weapon and launcher, the projectile of which is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner | Mouth energy between 2 and 20 joules Examples: paint ball launcher, air rifle |
D-k) | Neutralized war material (rendered unfit for fire) | Pre-1946 model except Class A, B or C deactivated firearms |
D-l) | Neutralized war material (rendered unfit for fire) | Models after 1946 on a Ministry of Defense list |
The penalties for carrying or transporting a Class D weapon out of your home without a legitimate reason vary by firearm.
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Weapon and launcher whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner (energy at the mouth between 2 and 20 joules)
You risk a fine of €750.
Example :
Paintball launcher, air rifle.
Category D firearm
You risk a fine of €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 risk a fine of €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 surrender the weapon to law enforcement, you risk flat-rate fine of €500. The amount is reduced (€400) or increased (€1,000) depending on the period within which you pay the fine.
FYI
In spaces and vehicles assigned to public transport, it is forbidden to any person to wear, in a visible manner, any object resembling a weapon of categories A to D could create a disorder in public order. Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by fine up to €750. The object used to commit the offense may be confiscated.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Prefecture
Paris Police Prefecture - Weapons and Explosives Section
The weapons and explosives section does not receive users.
By mail
Police Prefecture
Directorate of General Police
Bureau of Administrative Police
Arms and Explosives Section
1 bis rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By courier
From contact form
Classification of weapons
Carrying and transporting a weapon
Penalties for carrying and transporting a Class D weapon (Articles L317-7 to L317-8)
Classification of war material, weapons and ammunition
Port and transport authorization
Penalties for port and transport
FAQ
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