GOKUTOTOPepper spray in the United States is legal throughout all 50 states. Although it is legal, some states, counties, and cities will place restrictions. These restrictions include:
- The size and weight of the canister
This is a restriction on the size of the canister including how much it can weigh and the amount of pepper spray it can contain.
- The type and amount of ingredients that can be added in GOKU TOTO pepper spray
Certain states may require that the OC concentration be below a certain percentage and they may even prohibit the use of UV dyes and additional active ingredients.
- Where and who is allowed to buy it
Some states only allow the sale of pepper spray through licensed dealers. Certain states may only allow the sale of pepper spray in person and prohibit online purchasing. Also, several states require the buyer to be the age of 18 or older. Lastly, particular states may require a firearms identification card or a firearms license for a civilian to legally carry pepper spray.
States where pepper spray is legal with no restrictions
According to the pepper spray laws of the following states, they have no restrictions:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States with restrictions on pepper spray
Pepper spray is legal in the following states but with the following restrictions:
Alaska
In the state of Alaska you must be 18 years old to buy any defensive weapon. Pepper spray cannot be possessed on school grounds unless you have permission from school authorities and are over the age of 21.
Arkansas
Allowed to possess but cannot exceed a weight of 4 ounces.
California
Pepper spray cannot contain more than 2.5 ounces and can only be used for self defense purposes. Any misuse can carry a penalty of $1000, up to 3 years in prison, and a felony conviction.
Delaware
Cannot be possessed by minors and must be used for self defense purposes only
Florida
Net weight cannot exceed 2 ounces.
Hawaii
OC products can only be purchased through a licensed dealer such as a gun shop. The canister cannot exceed a net weight of 1/2 ounce, and you also need to be at least 18 years of age
Illinois
Must be 18 years of age to carry pepper spray. Illegal to carry in the city of Chicago.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts defines any chemical substance designed to incapacitate an individual as “ammunition”. Thus, self defense sprays can only be purchased through licensed firearms dealers and the buyer must hold a valid Firearms Identification Card (FID) or a License to Carry Firearms (LTC). You can obtain a FID card from your local police station.
Michigan
Michigan allows the use of pepper spray containing no more than 10% OC concentration. Also, the weight of the canister can be no more than 1.2 oz. Pepper sprays containing UV dyes are also not allowed. Animal sprays such as dog or bear sprays are completely legal.
Nevada
Cannot be possessed by minor or felons nor can the canister hold more than 2 ounces.
New Jersey
New Jersey law states pepper spray can be owned by anyone 18 years or older. Felons are prohibited from owning OC products. The net weight of the canister cannot exceed 0.75 ounces.
New York
Must be 18 years of age or older. Traditional pepper spray can only be purchased either at a pharmacy or licensed firearm dealer and cannot be purchased through online sale. Animal repellents such as dog and bear sprays are allowed to be purchased through online sale.
New Jersey
Pepper spray is legal but can only be purchased by a person of 18 years of age or older and must be a non-felon.
North Carolina
Cannot be possessed by felons or contain more than 4 ounces of chemical substance.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island laws states that any person 18 of age or older can carry any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for self defense purposes.
South Carolina
Container cannot contain more than 1.69 ounces.
Washington DC (District of Columbia)
Residents who possess pepper spray must register with local law enforcement. Residents must be 18 years of age or older to carry pepper spray but anyone 14 or older can do so as long as they have parental permission.
Washington State
Allowed to possess if 18 years of age or over, or with parents permission if at least 14 years old.
Wisconsin
Mace or tear gas is prohibited along with UV dyes. By law, pepper spray cannot contain an OC concentration above 10% and a weight no more than 2 oz. The pepper spray must be designed with a safety feature which prevents accidental discharge. It may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Additional labelling requirements obligate the manufacturer to list their phone number on the product.
If any state listed above does not mention an age requirement then that means it does not have one.
Traveling by Air with Pepper Spray
When traveling by air within the United States you are only allowed to transport pepper spray in checked baggage. It is not allowed to be packed in carry-on baggage, purses, briefcases etc.
Most airlines will allow pepper spray in up to 4 oz containers but it is always best to check with your specific airliner. It’s probably a good idea if you don’t carry pepper spray when flying, and instead purchase a new canister when you arrive to your destination.
Traveling Outside the United States
When traveling to another country from the United States it’s always s good idea to check up each countries specific laws and regulations. Countries that forbid the use of defense sprays such as Canada, do not allow visitors to enter with the possession of prohibited items like pepper spray.
Bringing prohibited items across the border can lead to fines and even denied entry into the country for the duration of a lifetime.
To get the most up to date and accurate information regarding pepper spray laws in your specific area it is best to contact your local law enforcement department.
If you would like to add to the discussion please do so by leaving a comment below!
I used to carry pepper spray in college. I never had to use it. I became complacent over the years. I was recently attacked. I live in a suburb of Philadelphia. I thought I was safe. Silly me.
I was just like you became lax didn’t have any winded up costing me a broke nose and damage to my car
question was is the law for ks i was attacked really bad and i cant find the law anywhere
Hi Matt, pepper spray is legal in Kansas with no known restrictions.
Recently my dog was pepper sprayed. I was walking my dog and for all of 7 seconds the leash pulled from my hand , my dog wanted to greet this womam and her dog. I retreived it immediatley and appologized, “Sorry,Leash slipped”. She picked up her dog and started in with “You people always walking your dogs without a leash and letting them run wild all the time”. I showed her the leash in my hand said again, It slipped, “Sorry” and I never walk my dog without it because she runs into the road. Also, she is extremely freindly and NON aggressive, loves everbody. That being said, I then said to her, “Dont you ever pepper spray my dog” (referringto an earleir incident another dognot leashed but very freindly little guy). With That she smiled and said,”Oh Pepper Spray?” and sprayed my now,sitting at my side,leashed wagging tail and smiling at her, wondering whats going on Dog! I am still in UTTER disbelief!!! Cops called reports made and 3 calls to States Attorney and nothing is going to be done! How can this womn get away with this????? 2times now on freindly dogs??? HELPPPPP Somebody, what can I do???
The old bat “Pepper Sprays” non aggressive dogs, and the authorities won’ t do anything about it?
Give HER a shot of Pepper Spray, and tell the police She was attacking YOU, 🙂
I would buy pepper spray and spray her back just so she knows how it feels to sit there not doing anything and being sprayed for no reason. Other than that karma will get her eventually. It aways does.
I don’t believe Susan M’s story one bit. I am a serious walker and I constantly encounter folks who walk their Dogs even in Leash Law parks, off the leash. These irresponsible Dog owners are the first to complain when their challenging Dog is met with Defense. I can NOT tell you how many times I’ve been told “he or she doesn’t bite”, “it’s friendly”, “he or she is just greeting you” and all the rest of their crapola. Keep it leashed or get it Pepper Sprayed. I buy it by the 4 can pack. I’ve sprayed a dozen of so ‘Friendly’ Dogs and will continue to do so. I have never been cited by the Police when they arrive, and the Dog owner has always been advised…AND the ‘Cops’ know these folks are lying with their stories. If he doesn’t bite, how does he eat. Once again, this woman, like most Dog owners are liars and deniers. Keep your Dog leashed AND under control. We don’t Love your Dog like you do, and we DO NOT need challenged by it.
Okay so I am going to mexico and I have been in situations such as in conserts I have been hit or pushed by drunk men, and I don’t want that to happen again. I want to know can i carry pepper spray from here to over there.
Hi Sonia, you are allowed to carry pepper spray in checked luggage and it should contain less than the allowed amount by the TSA. Pepper spray is also widely available in Mexico so you can always purchase one from large retailers or pharmacies when you arrive to your destination. Other than that, carrying a civilian pepper spray for self defense purposes in checked luggage should not raise any alarms. Of course, you should do your own due-diligence and understand the applicable laws before carrying pepper spray over the border.
So I’ve been thinking about getting my girlfriend some pepper spray for some self defense, but the laws for Illinois arent listed here. Any restrictions?
Hi Eric, to carry pepper spray in Illinois you must be at least 18 years of age. It is illegal to carry in the city of Chicago.
It is perfectly legal to possess in the city of Chicago. Check the actual city code if you don’t believe it.
What age can u purchase pepper spray in Florida
When *I was in Greenbrier West Va., purchased 3 alarm/heart shaped for the students and friends in my life. I know this beautiful piece has a sirene……would be possible to purchase about 10-15 sirene. Does this one have mace in it also?wanted to know bout the Ahh Alarm and if I may purchase those 15 or do you have a different suggestion…..like alarms for some ages/mace for different ages? Im very interested in these….esp since they are so attractive, too. Thanks!!! Pat Messick
Hi,
You need to update the Massachusetts legal section. Massachusetts has changed their laws, and a FID card is no longer needed to buy or possess.
I have a 13 year old daughter who was just attacked by 2 older girls we live in Wisconsin is it legal for me to give her pepper spray to protect herself