Pepper spray is a legal tool for self-defense, but the laws and restrictions surrounding its use vary from state to state.
In some states, pepper spray is easily accessible with minimal legal restrictions, while in other states, there are strict limitations on the amount and strength allowed. Also, certain states have laws that prohibit the possession of pepper spray that contains tear gas. Understanding the laws and restrictions on pepper spray can be confusing, but it is important to be aware of them before carrying it for self-defense.
This article is a guide to the legal restrictions on pepper spray in different states across the US.
We have compiled a list of all the states and included information about the laws and restrictions in each state. We will look at which states have the most lenient laws, and which states have the most restrictive laws.
It’s important to note that pepper spray is considered a weapon and its use can cause temporary blindness, pain, breathing problems, and panic, and in excessive amounts, it may be fatal.
Remember that laws and regulations are subject to constant change. Therefore, this article is NOT to be regarded as legal advice. Please do your own research or ask a local retailer before considering buying pepper spray.
State | Pepper Spray Legal Status | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Legal | |
Alaska | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Alaska’s restrictions here |
Arizona | Legal | |
Arkansas | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Arkansas’ restrictions here |
California | Legal with restrictions | Read about restrictions here |
Colorado | Legal | |
Connecticut | Legal | |
Delaware | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Delaware’s restrictions here |
Florida | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Florida’s restrictions here |
Georgia | Legal | |
Hawaii | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Hawaii’s restrictions here |
Idaho | Legal | |
Illinois | Legal with restrictions | Learn about Illinois’ restrictions here |
Indiana | Legal | |
Iowa | Legal | |
Kansas | Legal | |
Kentucky | Legal | |
Louisiana | Legal | |
Maine | Legal | |
Maryland | Legal with restrictions | Learn about Maryland’s restrictions here |
Massachusetts | Legal with restrictions | Learn about Massachusetts’ restrictions here and here |
Michigan | Legal with restrictions | Learn about Michigan’s restrictions here |
Minnesota | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Minnesota’s restrictions here |
Mississippi | Legal | |
Missouri | Legal | |
Montana | Legal | |
Nebraska | Legal | |
Nevada | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Nevada’s restrictions here |
New Hampshire | Legal | |
New Jersey | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about New Jersey’s restrictions here |
New Mexico | Legal | |
New York | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about New Yorks’s restrictions here |
North Carolina | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about North Carolina’s restrictions here |
North Dakota | Legal | |
Ohio | Legal | |
Oklahoma | Legal | |
Oregon | Legal | |
Pennsylvania | Legal | Learn more about Pennsylvania’s restrictions here |
Rhode Island | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Rhode Island’s restrictions here |
South Carolina | Legal with restrictions | |
South Dakota | Legal | |
Tennessee | Legal | |
Texas | Legal | |
Utah | Legal | |
Vermont | Legal | |
Virginia | Legal | |
Washington | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about Washington’s restrictions here |
Washington D.C. | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about the restrictions in Washington D.C. here |
West Virginia | Legal | |
Wisconsin | Legal with restrictions | Learn more about the Wisconsin’s restrictions here |
Wyoming | Legal |