Louisiana Gun Laws in Plain English
In Louisiana, you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit if you are at least 18 years old and not a prohibited person. You can buy any type of gun or magazine you want, and you don't need to register them. You can also keep a loaded gun in your car without a permit. However, you must be very careful not to carry in 'Gun Free Zones' like schools, bars, or parades (especially Mardi Gras).
Critical: Louisiana Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1The federal 1,000-foot Gun-Free School Zone (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) applies - constitutional carry does NOT exempt you; you need a state-issued permit to be federally exempt.
- #2Carrying at a parade or demonstration is a specific crime under La. R.S. 14:95.2.1 - do not carry at Mardi Gras.
- #3Possession in an 'alcoholic beverage outlet' (bar) is illegal under La. R.S. 14:95.5 unless you have a permit AND it is a restaurant (Class A-Restaurant). Permitless carry status in bars is legally risky.
- #4You must inform law enforcement you are carrying if you are stopped, detained, or arrested (La. R.S. 14:95(M)(2)).
- #5Louisiana has a 10-year 'cleansing period' for felons (La. R.S. 14:95.1), but this does NOT restore your federal rights. You can be legal under state law but still be a federal felon.
- #6Marijuana use (even medical) makes you a prohibited possessor under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)), regardless of state law.
- #7College campuses are prohibited zones (La. R.S. 14:95.2) - constitutional carry does not apply there.
- #8While you can carry in a vehicle, you cannot carry on school property, even in a vehicle, unless you are just dropping off/picking up (La. R.S. 14:95.2(C)(5)).
- #9Armor-piercing ammunition is specifically banned under La. R.S. 14:95.3.
- #10The age to buy a handgun from a dealer is 21 (federal), but you can buy one privately or possess one at 18 (state).
- #11If you are 18-20, you can now carry concealed (SB 1, 2024), but reciprocity with other states might still require you to be 21.
- #12New Orleans often attempts to enforce stricter local ordinances; while state preemption (La. R.S. 40:1796) is strong, police interactions in the French Quarter can be strict.
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.