In Alabama, pepper spray is legal for self-defense purposes. However, it is illegal to carry pepper spray in a school unless authorized by the school board. Pepper spray must also contain less than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper spray laws
Pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense weapon that is legal to carry in most states in the US. However, laws regulating the use and possession of pepper spray vary by state. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of pepper spray laws in different states of the US, highlighting the states where pepper spray is legal, the types of pepper spray allowed, and the conditions for using pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws by State: A Comprehensive Guide
Pepper spray is legal to carry for self-defense purposes in all 50 states in the US. However, the laws regulating its possession and use vary widely from state to state. In some states, pepper spray is subject to restrictions such as age limits, chemical composition, and spray volume. In this section, we will provide an overview of the pepper spray laws in each state, including the types of pepper spray allowed, the legal conditions for carrying and using it, and any other restrictions that apply.
Pepper Spray Laws in Alabama
Pepper Spray Laws in Alaska
Pepper spray is legal to carry in Alaska. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Arizona
Pepper spray is legal in Arizona. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and contain less than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Arkansas
Pepper spray is legal in Arkansas. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 150,000 Scoville units.
Pepper Spray Laws in California
Pepper spray is legal in California for self-defense purposes. It cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18 and must be less than 2.5 ounces in size.
Pepper Spray Laws in Colorado
Pepper spray is legal in Colorado. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Connecticut
Pepper spray is legal in Connecticut, but it must be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 1 ounce of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Delaware
Pepper spray is legal in Delaware, but it must be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 1 ounce of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Florida
Pepper spray is legal in Florida, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
georgia pepper spray laws
Is pepper spray legal in georgia? Pepper spray is legal in Georgia, but it cannot be carried in certain public places such as government buildings, schools, and places of worship. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Hawaii
Pepper spray is legal in Hawaii, but it must be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 0.5 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Idaho
Pepper spray is legal in Idaho. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical
Pepper Spray Laws in Illinois
Pepper spray is legal in Illinois, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Indiana
Pepper spray is legal in Indiana, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Iowa
Pepper spray is legal in Iowa. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Kansas
Pepper spray is legal in Kansas. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Kentucky
Pepper spray is legal in Kentucky. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Louisiana
Pepper spray is legal in Louisiana. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Maine
Pepper spray is legal in Maine, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 35 grams of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Maryland
Pepper spray is legal in Maryland, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Massachusetts
Pepper spray is legal in Massachusetts, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Michigan
Pepper spray is legal in Michigan, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Minnesota
Pepper spray is legal in Minnesota, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Mississippi
Pepper spray is legal in Mississippi. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
missouri pepper spray laws
Pepper spray is legal in Missouri. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Montana
Pepper spray is legal in Montana. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Nebraska
Pepper spray is legal in Nebraska. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Nevada
Pepper spray is legal in Nevada. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in New Hampshire
Pepper spray is legal in New Hampshire, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in New Jersey
Pepper spray is legal in New Jersey, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 3/4 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in New Mexico
Pepper spray is legal in New Mexico, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in New York
Pepper spray is legal in New York, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be purchased from a New York dealer, it cannot be shipped to you. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 7% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in North Carolina
Pepper spray is legal in North Carolina. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in North Dakota
Pepper spray is legal in North Dakota. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Ohio
Pepper spray is legal in Ohio, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Oklahoma
Pepper spray is legal in Oklahoma. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Oregon
Pepper spray is legal in Oregon. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Pennsylvania
Pepper spray is legal in Pennsylvania, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Rhode Island
Pepper spray is legal in Rhode Island, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 1 ounce of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in South Carolina
Pepper spray is legal in South Carolina, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 50 cubic centimeters of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in South Dakota
Pepper spray is legal in South Dakota. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
Pepper Spray Laws in Tennessee
Pepper spray is legal in Tennessee, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 1.4 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Texas
Pepper spray is legal in Texas, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 5% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Utah
Pepper spray is legal in Utah. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
pepper spray laws in vermont
Pepper spray is legal in Vermont, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 16. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 1.9 ounces of the active ingredient.
pepper spray laws in virginia
Pepper spray is legal in Virginia, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray Laws in Washington
Pepper spray is legal in Washington, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18.
Pepper Spray Laws in West Virginia
Pepper spray is legal in West Virginia, but it cannot be sold to minors under the age of 18. It must be used for self-defense purposes only and cannot contain more than 2 ounces of the active ingredient.
Pepper Spray Laws in Wisconsin
Pepper spray is legal in Wisconsin. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
pepper spray laws in wyoming
Pepper spray is legal in Wyoming. There are no restrictions on the volume or chemical composition of pepper spray.
references
State | Pepper Spray Laws | Reference URL |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Legal with certain restrictions | https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2018/title-13a/chapter-7a/ |
Alaska | Legal | https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-11-criminal-law/ak-st-sect-11-81-900.html |
Arizona | Legal | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03112.htm |
Arkansas | Legal | https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2017/title-5/subtitle-6/chapter-73/subchapter-1/section-5-73-119/ |
California | Legal with certain restrictions | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=22810.&lawCode=PEN |
Colorado | Legal | https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-18/ |
Connecticut | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_529.htm#sec_29-38c |
Delaware | Legal with certain restrictions | https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc07/ |
Florida | Legal with certain restrictions | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.01.html |
Georgia | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/Default.asp |
Hawaii | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0138K/HRS_0138K-0062.htm |
Idaho | Legal with certain restrictions | https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title18/t18ch33/sect18-3302/ |
Illinois | Legal with certain restrictions | https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53 |
Indiana | Legal with certain restrictions | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2021/ic/titles/035/articles/047/chapters/0006/ |
Iowa | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/724.4.pdf |
Kansas | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_052_0000_article/021_052_0011_section/021_052_0011_k/ |
Kentucky | Legal with certain restrictions | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36222 |
Louisiana | Legal with certain restrictions | https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81502 |
Maine | Legal with certain restrictions | https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-a/title17-asec1004.html |
Maryland | Legal with certain restrictions | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=4-101 |
Massachusetts | Legal with certain restrictions | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter140/Section121 |
Michigan | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(n4db4izozaw0g0s4s4f4s1yd))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-224d |
Minnesota | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.731 |
Mississippi | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/97/037/0001.htm |
Missouri | Legal with certain restrictions | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/One |
Montana | Legal with certain restrictions | https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0050/0450-0050-0010-0050.html |
Nebraska | Legal with certain restrictions | https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1202 |
Nevada | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-202.html#NRS202Sec253 |
New Hampshire | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/nhtoc/nhtoc-xxi-159.htm |
New Jersey | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A3500/3392_I1.HTM |
New Mexico | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20Regular/final/HB0034.pdf |
New York | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/265.20 |
North Carolina | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-401.6.html |
North Dakota | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t62-1c12.pdf#nameddest=62-1c12-01 |
Ohio | Legal with certain restrictions | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.17 |
Oklahoma | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB200&Session=2003 |
Oregon | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.220 |
Pennsylvania | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2019&sessInd=0&act= |
Rhode Island | Legal with certain restrictions | https://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE11/11-47/11-47-57.HTM |
South Carolina | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c023.php |
South Dakota | Legal with certain restrictions | https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=22-18-25 |
Tennessee | Legal with certain restrictions | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2017/title-39/chapter-17/part-4/section-39-17-1369/ |
Texas | Legal with certain restrictions | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.46.htm#46.02 |
Utah | Legal with certain restrictions | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter10/76-10-S502.html?v=C76-10-S502_1800010118000101 |
Vermont | Legal with certain restrictions | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/13/085/04132 |
Virginia | Legal with certain restrictions | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-308.7/ |
Washington | Legal with certain restrictions | https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.91.160 |
West Virginia | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=61&art=7A#07A |
Wisconsin | Legal with certain restrictions | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/III/50/1 |
Wyoming | Legal with certain restrictions | https://www.wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title06/chapter08.pdf |
Restrictions on Pepper Spray:
- Age restrictions: Some states require you to be at least 18 years old to purchase and possess pepper spray.
- Formulation restrictions: Some states have restrictions on the concentration of the pepper spray.
- Size restrictions: Some states have limitations on the size of the container.
- Labeling requirements: Some states require the pepper spray to have specific labeling and instructions.
- Purchase restrictions: Some states only allow pepper spray to be purchased from licensed firearms dealers.
- Use restrictions: Some states only allow the use of pepper spray in self-defense situations.
It is important to note that pepper spray laws can change, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the regulations in your state. It is also important to use pepper spray responsibly and only in self-defense situations.
In conclusion, pepper spray can be a useful tool for self-defense, but it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your state. Always purchase pepper spray from a reputable source and use it responsibly. Remember, pepper spray is only effective if you have it with you when you need it, so make sure to keep it easily accessible. Stay safe!
UPDATED: 01/07/24