Is pepper spray legal in all 50 states?

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but each state may have specific restrictions regarding who can purchase it, the allowed formula strength, and the maximum canister size. Always review your state’s regulations before buying or carrying pepper spray.

Are there age restrictions for purchasing pepper spray?

Yes. Several states restrict the sale of pepper spray and gel to minors. In most cases, buyers must be at least 18 years old. Some states, like Alaska and Maryland, also specify age-related conditions for carrying pepper spray on school property.

What are the limitations on pepper spray canister sizes in different states?

Many states limit the size of pepper spray and gel canisters. Common restrictions range from 0.5 oz in Hawaii to 5.29 oz in North Carolina. Check your state’s specific rules for details on size and strength limits.

Do I need permission to carry pepper spray on school property?

Some states, such as Alaska and Maryland, restrict possession of pepper spray on school grounds. Always check your local laws before carrying pepper spray in or near schools, government buildings, or other regulated areas.

Are there licensing requirements for selling or carrying pepper spray in certain states?

Yes. Massachusetts and New York require licenses for selling pepper spray. In Massachusetts, individuals ages 15 to 18 must also obtain a Firearms ID Card to purchase or carry pepper spray. Always verify requirements with local law enforcement or state resources.

Can pepper spray be purchased online and shipped to any state?

Not all states allow online purchases or interstate shipping of pepper spray or gel. States like New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii require in-person purchases through licensed dealers or pharmacists. Always review your state’s e-commerce restrictions before ordering online.

Is there a limit on the number of pepper sprays that can be purchased in New York?

Yes. New York law allows consumers to purchase a maximum of two pepper sprays per transaction, and sales must occur in person through licensed dealers or pharmacists.

What common restrictions apply to pepper spray across the U.S.?

Typical restrictions include limits on canister size, age requirements, formula strength, and where pepper spray can be carried. Some states also prohibit sales to felons or regulate online sales. Always review local and state laws before purchasing.

How often are pepper spray laws updated?

Pepper spray laws can change over time as states update public safety or self-defense regulations. It’s best practice to check official state government or law enforcement websites regularly, and review the 'Last Updated' date on this page for the most current information.

Pepper Spray Laws by State

04 13 2025

Pepper Spray and Pepper Gel Laws by State

Pepper spray and pepper gel are common, effective, and non-lethal protection against threats. They both include the active ingredient Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), a compound derived from hot peppers that causes intense burning sensations and when deployed against an attacker, can cause temporary disorientation. Their primary difference is in the spray pattern – pepper spray deploys in a mist, while pepper gel sprays as a concentrated stream.

While it’s generally legal to carry pepper spray and pepper gel for personal protection in all 50 states, some states and local laws have specific regulations and restrictions.

State restrictions on pepper gel and pepper spray

Here’s a state-by-state look at those with specific regulations regarding the sale and carry of pepper spray and gel (states are listed in alphabetical order):

State	Legal Status	Key Restrictions
Alaska	Legal with restrictions	Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors or online.
Arkansas	Legal with restrictions	Pepper spray and gel canisters may not exceed 10 oz (300 mL).
California	Legal with restrictions	No purchase/possession/use by minors, felons, or addicts; pepper sprays and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 2.5 oz.
Delaware	Legal with restrictions	Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold, given, or transferred to minors without the permission of a legal guardian.
Florida	Legal with restrictions	Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 2 oz.
Hawaii	Legal with restrictions	No online sales and canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.5 oz.
Illinois	Legal with restrictions	No sales to minors.
Maryland	Legal with restrictions	No sales to minors.
Massachusetts	Licensed sale/carry	License required to sell or carry pepper sprays and gels; only licensed firearms dealers may sell; ages 15–18 must obtain a firearms ID to purchase; pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold online.
Michigan	Legal with product limits	Only SABRE RED formula permitted; SABRE 3-in-1 not currently legal.
Minnesota	Legal with restrictions	No possession by minors under 16 without written permission of legal guardian.
New Jersey	Legal with restrictions	No possession by minors or felons; pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.75 oz.
Nevada	Legal with restrictions	No sales to minors; pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 2 oz; SABRE 3-in-1 over 2 oz not currently legal.
New York	Legal with strict sales limits	Pepper spray or gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.75 oz; strength ≤ 0.7% major capsaicinoids; can only be sold by licensed firearms dealers or licensed pharmacists; Illegal to ship pepper sprays and gels to New York; must purchase in person; max two sprays per purchase.
North Carolina	Legal with restrictions	Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 5.29 oz; no possession by felons.
Rhode Island	Legal with restrictions	No sales to minors.
South Carolina	Legal with restrictions	Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 1.69 oz.
Washington	Legal with restrictions	No sales to minors or must have parental consent for ages 14-17. Canister cannot be larger than 2oz for minors.
Wisconsin	Legal with product limits	No possession by minors or felons; SABRE 3-in-1 formula not currently legal.

Disclaimer: Laws can change. Always verify current state and local regulations before purchasing, possessing, or carrying pepper spray or gel.

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

Pepper Spray Laws by State FAQs

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