Can you carry a knife on you?

The question of whether one can carry a knife on their person or in their car comes up often, notably due to the strict regulations surrounding sharp objects in France. In summary, carrying a knife is subject to specific rules and may be prohibited in certain situations, even if it seems harmless.

General rules on carrying knives

In France, the legislation on carrying and transporting knives is very strict. According to the Penal Code, any object that can be considered a weapon by design or use is regulated. This includes knives, whether pocket knives, kitchen knives, or collectible ones. Their transport is tolerated only in specific contexts, such as:

• Professional use (chef, craftsman, etc.).

• Leisure activities like camping or hiking.

• Collecting, provided it can be justified.

Outside of these cases, having a knife on you without a valid reason can be considered a criminal offense.

Can you have a knife in your car?

Carrying a knife in your car is allowed provided its use is legitimate. For example:

● A kitchen knife carried as part of a purchase or for professional use.
● An outdoor or pocket knife for a sport or outdoor activity.

However, the knife must be stored out of immediate reach, such as in the trunk or a locked glove compartment. In the event of a police check, law enforcement can request a specific justification, and the transport may be reclassified as carrying a weapon if no valid reason is given.

Can you check a knife in your luggage when flying?

It is possible to carry a knife on a plane, but exclusively in checked luggage. Airlines and airport authorities strictly prohibit any sharp object in carry-on luggage for security reasons. Here are a few points to consider:

• Type of knife: Kitchen, folding, or collectible knives may be transported in checked baggage, provided they are properly packed.

• Customs regulations: Some countries impose restrictions on importing bladed weapons. Check before you travel.

• Declaration: In some cases, it may be necessary to declare the contents of your baggage to avoid any issues.

Category D bladed weapons: strict classification

Some pocket knives fall under category D bladed weapons, which are in principle prohibited from being carried outside the home. This classification was introduced by a 2012 law on arms control, which grouped in category D all weapons "whose acquisition and possession are free". The list of affected items, presented in article R. 311-2 of the Internal Security Code, notably includes:

• Tear gas canisters,

• Electric stun guns (tasers),

• Objects likely to constitute a danger to public safety, such as dagger-knives and other batons.

What is a dagger-knife?

Customs consider dagger-knives to be those that meet five cumulative criteria:

• Blade fixed to the handle or equipped with a locking system.

• Double-edged along the entire length or at the tip.

• Blade length greater than 15 cm.

• Blade thickness of at least 4 mm.

• Handle with a guard.

Common folding knives like the Opinel or Laguiole do not meet all these criteria and are therefore not systematically considered dagger-knives.

Legitimacy and penalties

Concept of legitimate reason

Article L. 315-1 of the Internal Security Code provides that carrying a category D weapon without a legitimate reason is prohibited. The legitimacy of the reason is assessed on a case-by-case basis by law enforcement or a judge. The circumstances, location, and context play a crucial role in this decision.

For example, carrying a knife for a picnic or sports activity may be deemed legitimate, whereas the same knife carried during a protest could be considered an offense.

Legal penalties

Carrying or transporting a category D weapon without a legitimate reason is punishable by:

• A fixed fine of 500 euros (reduced to 400 euros if paid within 15 days, increased to 1,000 euros if late) in certain departments under trial.

• A penalty of up to one year in prison and a 15,000 euro fine in cases of aggravating circumstances.

Since 2023, this penalty is fixed under the law on the planning and orientation of the Ministry of the Interior, to improve judicial response. However, the fixed fine is recorded on the criminal record, and the public prosecutor may initiate additional proceedings if necessary.

Purchase, carrying, and transport: three distinct concepts

The law clearly distinguishes between purchasing, carrying, and transporting a knife:

• Purchase: The act of acquisition without restriction for adults.

• Carrying: Having the knife on you, immediately usable.

• Transporting: Moving the knife without it being immediately accessible.

Understanding this distinction helps evaluate situations in which knife use may or may not be considered legitimate.

Carrying and transporting knives in France is strictly regulated by law, especially for category D bladed weapons. Complying with current rules, storing your knife securely, and providing a legitimate reason if checked are all precautions to take to avoid penalties.