U.S. Pepper Spray Laws By State

By Victor H

Published on January 22, 2023

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.

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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
Colorado Legal
Connecticut Legal
Delaware Legal with restrictions Learn more about Delaware’s restrictions here
Florida Legal with restrictions
Georgia Legal
Hawaii Legal with restrictions
Idaho Legal
Illinois Legal with restrictions
Indiana Legal
Iowa Legal
Kansas Legal
Kentucky Legal
Louisiana Legal
Maine Legal
Maryland Legal with restrictions
Massachusetts Legal with restrictions
Michigan Legal with restrictions
Minnesota Legal with restrictions
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
New Mexico Legal
New York Legal with restrictions
North Carolina Legal with restrictions Learn more about North Carolina’s restrictions here
North Dakota Legal
Ohio Legal
Oklahoma Legal
Oregon Legal
Pennsylvania Legal
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
West Virginia Legal
Wisconsin Legal with restrictions Learn more about Wisconsin’s restrictions here
Wyoming Legal

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