Pepper Spray Laws by State (2024)


When you're making the decision to purchase pepper spray or pepper gel for yourself or a loved one, it's important to familiarize yourself with pepper spray laws. While pepper spray is legal in all 50 states to carry and use for personal protection, some states and localities have specific regulations and restrictions.


Does your state have specific restrictions? Read on to find out.


Pepper Spray Laws by State (1)


Alaska:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors or online. To carry on school property, the user must be at least 21 years old.


Arkansas:Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 5.9 oz.


California:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be purchased, possessed, or used by: minors, felons, or addicts.Product canisters cannot exceed 2.5 oz.


Delaware:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold, given, or transferred to minors without the permission of a legal guardian.


Florida:Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 2 oz.


Hawaii:Pepper sprays and gel cannot be sold online and cannot contain more than 0.5 oz


Illinois:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors.


Maryland: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors. Pepper sprays and gels cannot be carried on public school property.


Massachusetts:A license is required to sell or carry pepper sprays and gels. Only licensed firearms dealers can sell pepper sprays and gels, and those ages 15 to 18 must obtain a firearms ID card in order to purchase. Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold online.


Michigan: Only SABRE RED formula is permitted. The SABRE 3-in-1 formula is not currently legal.


Minnesota: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be possessed by anyone under the age of 16 without written permission of legal guardian.


New Jersey: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be possessed by a minor or felon. Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz.


Nevada:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors. Product canisters cannot contain more than 2 oz. TheSABRE 3-in-1 formula canisters over 2oz are currently not legal.


New York:Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz. and the strength cannot exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids. Pepper sprays and gels can only be sold by licensed firearms dealers and licensed pharmacists. It is illegal to ship pepper sprays and gels to New York. Purchases must be made in person, with a maximum of two sprays per purchase.


North Carolina:Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed5.29 oz and cannot be possessed by felon.


Rhode Island:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors.


South Carolina:Pepper spray and gel canisters cannotexceed 1.69 oz.


Wisconsin:Pepper sprays and gels cannot be possessed by a minor or felon.The SABRE 3-in-1 formula is not currently legal.


Visit ourWhere to Buy page to find out where you can purchase a SABRE pepper spray in your state.



  • Is pepper spray legal in all 50 states?Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, but each state may have specific restrictions.

  • Are there age restrictions for purchasing pepper spray?Several states have restrictions regarding the sale of pepper spray to minors. Please refer to your state above for the specific restrictions.

  • What are the limitations on pepper spray canister sizes in different states?Several states have restrictions regarding the size of canisters. Please refer to your state above for the specific restrictions.

  • Do I need permission to carry pepper spray on school property?Alaska and Maryland specify pepper spray restrictions on school property. Review the restrictions above for specifics.

  • Are there licensing requirements for selling or carrying pepper spray in certain states?Massachusetts and New York require a license for selling pepper spray. Massachusetts requires a license in order to carry pepper sprays and gels and those ages 15 to 18 must obtain a firearms ID card in order to purchase.

  • Can pepper spray be purchased online and shipped to any state?Pepper spray and gel laws apply for e-commerce sales. If pepper spray and gel is restricted in a state, it cannot be shipped there.

  • Is there a limit on the number of pepper sprays that can be purchased in New York?New York restricts consumers to a maximum of 2 pepper sprays per purchase.

Disclaimer:The possession and/or sale of SABRE defense sprays and SABRE Red defense sprays are legal in most cities and/or states in the United States. However, some cities and/or states have chosen to establish certain restrictions surrounding the possession and/or sale of these products. To the best of SABRE’s knowledge, listed are the most current legal restrictions for cities and/or states. You may wish to contact your local police department or the state police regarding the restrictions in your area and/or state.


Check your local laws to determine the legality of carrying SABRE and SABRE Red products in your area. SABRERED.com consumers are responsible for understanding the local and state laws concerning the purchase and use of Security Equipment Corporation's products. The consumer agrees that Security Equipment Corporation's products are not intended for illegal use. Security Equipment Corporation is not responsible for misrepresentation by the consumer nor the illegal use of our products.


Pepper Spray Laws by State (2024)

FAQs

What states do not allow pepper spray? ›

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have authorized the use of pepper spray for self-defense in some form or another.

Can a felon carry pepper spray in Florida? ›

Canister size must be no more than 2oz. Users must not have any convicted felonies. Pepper spray may only be used in self defense situations. Self defense sprays cannot be used against a police officer.

Can a felon carry pepper spray in Ohio? ›

The Basics: Pepper spray is LEGAL to buy/carry/use/ship to Ohio. Must be a minimum of 18 years old. Cannot have any convicted felonies on record.

Can a felon carry pepper spray in Michigan? ›

User must at least 18 years old. User cannot have any felonies on record. Pepper spray must only be used in self defense.

Can I pepper spray someone for spitting on me? ›

It must be either for self-defense from personal injury or an arrest situation, and the force must be reasonable under the circ*mstances. For instance, you cannot lawfully spray someone in the face for saying something obscene to you or because you were afraid due to their appearance.

What is the difference between mace and pepper spray? ›

Tear gas (“mace”) is an irritant whereas oleoresin capsicum (“pepper spray”) is an inflammatory agent. Ergo, pepper will likely have a harder-hitting and potentially longer-lasting effect (assuming it has any effect at all). As to how effective that will be … well …

Is pepper gel better than pepper spray? ›

We call pepper gel the "stickier cousin" of our pepper spray. It was invented by Mace® Brand, and it offers protection at a greater distance than pepper spray. Pepper gel is also more accurate in windy conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use. It disperses in a steady, tight stream and sticks where it lands.

What self-defense weapons can a felon own? ›

They are prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving, or controlling firearms. Also, people with outstanding felony warrants are forbidden from owning or possessing a gun. It is legal to purchase, possess, or carry a stun gun or taser for lawful self-defense as defined under Penal Code 22610 PC.

Can you legally carry a taser in Ohio? ›

Ohio doesn't directly regulate stun guns or Tasers, but you may use one of these devices only for self-defense. You can buy a stun gun or Taser in Ohio without a permit, and you can probably carry it anywhere in the state.

Can a felon carry pepper spray in California? ›

Who Is Prohibited From Carrying Pepper Spray in CA? California law prohibits the following people from buying, possessing, or using pepper spray: people convicted of a felony or assault in any state or under federal law. people with a prior conviction for misusing pepper spray (in non-self-defense situations)

How long before a convicted felon can own a gun in Michigan? ›

Michigan Right to Bear Arms After Conviction. According to the Michigan Penal Code (750.224f), any person convicted of a felony cannot possess, use, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or distribute a firearm in Michigan for a period of either three or five years, depending on the specific felony charge.

Why can't I buy pepper spray in Florida? ›

It is legal to buy, carry, or use pepper spray in Florida if the container holds no more than two ounces. Anyone may carry a concealed carry pepper spray in Florida without a permit, as long as it meets the size requirement and is used only for self-defense.

Can you go to jail for pepper spraying someone in Texas? ›

In Texas, pepper spray is legal to carry and use for self-defense by anyone over the age of 18.

Is it illegal to travel with pepper spray? ›

Pepper Spray

One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.

Can you use pepper spray for self-defense? ›

Pepper spray is a powerful self-defense tool that can be used in various legal situations. Knowing when and how to legally use pepper spray can help protect yourself from attackers. In most states, pepper spray can be used as a defensive weapon to protect yourself against attackers.

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