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State Laws Regarding Chemical Aerosol Deterrents 

 

The following summary of our research reflects the various laws on the sale and use of non-lethal spray weapons. This should not be regarded as the final word on the legal status of said laws. This report is not intended to take the place of legal counsel, nor should it be looked at as being any form of legal advice. Please check with your local authorities for the latest information, as our politicians and bureaucrats change laws daily.   

 

Remember that Federal law prohibits carrying any chemical weapon on commercial aircraft in federal buildings, prisons, and courts.  

   

Alabama - No laws prohibit or regulate a defensive aerosol spray product.  

Alaska - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Arizona - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Arkansas - It is legal to sell, purchase, and use non-lethal pepper spray containing up to 5 ounces of product.

California - It is legal to sell, purchase, and legally use tear gas or pepper spray containing up to 2.5 ounces of product.  

Colorado - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Connecticut - State law is not specific about classifying and selling any defensive aerosol. Anyone can purchase and carry a chemical spray product at present. 

Delaware - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Florida - It is legal to sell, purchase, and legally use any chemical non-lethal spray weapon containing no more than 2 ounces of product.  

Georgia - No laws regulating the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

 

Hawaii -     NO SHIPPING TO HAWAII
 

Idaho - Does not restrict or regulate the sale of non-lethal spray products, but specific uses are prohibited. Illinois- No laws regulating the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Indiana - No laws regulating the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Iowa - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Kansas - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray products.  

Kentucky - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Louisiana - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Maine - No laws regulating the sale, purchase, and legal use for defending persons and premises.  

Maryland - No state laws against the sale of tear gas or OC products, but it is prohibited to carry tear gas openly with the intent or purpose of injuring a person.  

 

Massachusetts -  NO SHIPPING TO MASSACHUSETTS  

 

Michigan - Maximum allowable strength is 18% OC or 1.4% MC with no more than 1.2 ounces of product to non-felons at least 18 years old.   

Minnesota - It is legal to sell, purchase, and legally use any chemical non-lethal spray weapon with clearly written instructions if it is propelled from an aerosol container. They cannot be sold where intoxicating liquor is sold. Some counties may elect to impose licensing requirements.  

Mississippi - No laws regarding selling, purchasing, or using sprays for self-protection.  

Missouri - No laws in effect forbidding the possession or sale of non-lethal spray products.  

Montana - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Nebraska - No laws regulating the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Nevada - Permissible to possess aerosol spray irritants of up to 2 ounces of product. Washoe County and the City of Las Vegas require training and permits.  
New Hampshire - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

New Jersey - Permissible to sell, possess and legally purchase up to 3/4 of an ounce by any non-felon over 18 years of age for personal protection.  

New Mexico - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

 

New York - NO SHIPPING TO NEW YORK  

 

North Carolina - Any individual who has not been convicted of a felony can purchase for protection but not exceeding 5 ounces in volume.  

North Dakota - Any self-defense spray or aerosol can be carried without a concealed weapons permit except in gaming and alcoholic beverage establishments.  

Ohio - No laws regarding the sale or purchase of non-lethal spray weapons. The only rule on use is that it is criminal mischief if used to interfere with the use or enjoyment of another's property.  

Oklahoma - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Oregon - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons. However, Portland has a city ordinance prohibiting a tear gas dispensing device.  

Pennsylvania - No specific laws or regulations concerning the sale, purchase, or legal use of non-lethal sprays.  

Rhode Island - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

South Carolina - Lawful for a person for self-defense purposes only to possess, use, transport, sell or buy, but only up to 1.69 ounces of product.  

South Dakota - No statutes or regulations concerning the sale, purchase, and legal use of chemical sprays.  

Tennessee - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal pepper sprays.  

Texas - A small chemical dispenser sold for personal protection is exempt from their weapons laws.  

Utah - No prohibition against using chemical aerosol sprays as long as the product does not cause death or serious bodily injury.  

Vermont - Statutes do not regulate or prohibit the sale of any aerosol spray used as a defensive weapon.  

Virginia - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

Washington - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

West Virginia - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.  

 

Wisconsin - NO SHIPPING TO WISCONSIN 
 

Wyoming - No laws regarding the sale, purchase, and legal use of non-lethal spray weapons.