Louisiana laws by category

Louisiana has been a permitless-carry state (also called constitutional carry) since July 4, 2024: anyone 18 and older who can lawfully possess may carry concealed without a permit (R.S. 14:95(M)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Louisiana is not a control state: beer, wine and spirits are sold by private retailers, including grocery and convenience stores as well as package stores. Drive-thru daiquiri sales are permitted, and a cup that is taped or sealed counts as a closed container.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Louisiana has no state ban on them.

In Louisiana, burning waste or other material is prohibited except as the state air rule allows (LAC 33:III.1109). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Louisiana, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 18 (17 & under exempt; 60+ senior license). Licenses are issued by the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 5.00% (the rate in effect since January 1, 2025), and the same 5% applies to intrastate and interstate telecommunications and prepaid phone cards; business utilities are taxed at 2% (boiler fuel 5%). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Louisiana allows medical marijuana only: patients need a recommendation from an authorized Louisiana clinician (a physician, a nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority, or a medical psychologist). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Louisiana, any person hunting any wildlife during the open gun deer season while possessing buckshot, slugs, a muzzleloader or a centerfire rifle must display at least 400 sq in of hunter orange or blaze pink on the head, chest or back. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Louisiana sports betting is legal, retail and online/mobile, in the 55 of 64 parishes that approved it; minimum age 21. Regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Online tax raised to 21.5% of GGR in 2026.

Louisiana requires anyone born after January 1, 1984 to complete an LDWF-approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 hp or a personal watercraft. The certificate (or a driver's license with the boater endorsement) must be carried while operating, and PWC operators must be 16 or older.

Louisiana repealed its switchblade ban; La. R.S. 14:95 no longer restricts owning or carrying automatic/OTF knives, so adults may own and openly carry them.

Louisiana's Peeping Tom law (R.S. 14:284), amended to name UAS, criminalizes using a drone to spy on or invade a person's privacy without consent.