Pepper Spray Laws

State Laws and Restrictions

States Where Pepper Sprays are Restricted (We cannot ship to these states. If an order is placed your order will be cancelled)

New York: New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state.

Massachusetts: It is legal to buy, use, or possess pepper spray in Massachusetts, but there are several restrictions. It is not legal to ship human formula pepper spray to an address in Massachusetts, though animal spray can be legally shipped to the state.

States Where Pepper Sprays Have Some Restrictions

Alaska: To carry on school property, the user must have permission and be at least 21 years old. 

Arkansas: Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 150 cc or 5.07 fluid oz.

California: Product canisters cannot exceed 2.5 fluid oz.

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

Hawaii: The maximum sized container of pepper spray that can be mailed to Hawaii is 1/2 oz.

Michigan: Pepper spray must not be more than 10% and can be used for self defense. “The reasonable use of a self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 10% oleoresin capsicum by a person in the protection of a person or property under circumstances that would justify the person’s use of physical force. The Canister size is restricted to 35grams approx. 1.2oz.

Nevada: Product canisters cannot contain more than 2 fluid oz. 

New Jersey: Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz. of chemical substance.

North Carolina: Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 150cc or 5.07 fluid oz.

South Carolina: Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 1.69 fluid oz.

Washington D.C.: A registration form must be completed at purchase, and the vendor must collect and forward the form to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Wisconsin: Tear gas is not permissible. By regulation, OC products with a maximum OC concentration of 10% and weight range of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients of 15-60 grams are authorized. This is 1/2 oz. and 2 oz. spray. Further, the product cannot be camouflaged, and must have a safety feature designed to prevent accidental discharge. The units may not have an effective range of over 20 feet and must have an effective range of six feet. In addition there are certain labeling and packaging requirements: must state cannot sell to anyone under 18 and the phone number of the manufacturer has to be on the label. The units must also be sold in sealed tamper-proof packages.

IMPORTANT: Pepper Spray is legal in all 50 states, however a number of cities and states have restrictions on sizes, strengths, etc.. If you have a question, it is wise to check with you local city or state attorneys office. Defense sprays should only be purchased by those 18 years of age or older. The above list may not be totally accurate or complete and Safety Technology accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.

Note to Prospective Dealers: Even if you reside in a state where pepper sprays cannot be sold, YOU can still sell many of our other safety products to people in your town, and with one of our wonderful websites, you CAN sell to your customers in states where pepper spray is legal.