Category D weapons (free acquisition and possession)
Verified 30 July 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
What are the over-the-counter weapons ? Here are the main rules to know about weapons classified in category D.
The following weapons, classified in category D, may be freely purchased and held:
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 |
No, no, no. You must be major for acquire one D-category weapon, including its components and ammunition.
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 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 of the location, circumstances and the background.
Examination of the legitimate reason 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.
That depends of places, circumstances and the background.
Penalties for carrying or transporting a Class D weapon out of your home without legitimate cause vary by weapon.
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Weapon and launcher, the projectile of which is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner (mouth energy between 2 and 20 joules)
You may be fined €750.
Example :
Paintball thrower, air rifle.
Category D firearm
You may be fined €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 may be fined €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 hand the weapon over to law enforcement, you risk a flat-rate fine of €500. The amount is reduced (€400) or increased (€1,000) according to the time limit within which you pay the fine.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Prefecture
Paris Police Department - Arms and Explosives Section
The Arms and Explosives Section does not receive users.
By mail
Police prefecture
General Police Directorate
Office of Administrative Police
Arms and Explosives Section
1 bis rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By E-mail
From contact form
Classification of weapons
Carrying and transporting a weapon
Penalties for carrying and transporting a category D weapon (Articles L317-7 to L317-8)
Classification of war materials, weapons and ammunition
Arms conservation
Authorization to carry and transport
Penalties for carriage and transport
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