Laws & Regulations
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a common self-defense tool, and its legality varies across the United States. Below is a state-by-state breakdown of pepper spray laws, which include details on age restrictions, carry restrictions, and general regulations.
Keep in mind that local regulations (such as city or county rules) may also impose additional restrictions. This summary provides a general overview, but you should always verify specific local ordinances or consult legal counsel for up-to-date information. The information stated here should be used as a reference only.
Pepper Spray by State: 1. Alabama Legal to possess and use for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and some public spaces. Must be under 2 ounces in some jurisdictions. 2. Alaska Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be under 4 ounces. Some local areas may have additional restrictions. 3. Arizona Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: None statewide; however, some localities may regulate usage in certain public areas. 4. Arkansas Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be used only for self-defense; cannot carry in certain government buildings or schools. 5. California Legal for personal use, self-defense. Restrictions: Must be under 2.5 ounces. Cannot carry in certain locations like schools, government buildings, or airports. 6. Colorado Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying pepper spray on school grounds is prohibited, and the maximum container size is typically 4 ounces. 7. Connecticut Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry in certain public places like schools. Must be for self-defense use only, and the container must not exceed 2 ounces. 8. Delaware Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: The container must not exceed 3 ounces. Pepper spray cannot be used in a threatening manner or for purposes other than self-defense. 9. Florida Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: The maximum container size is 2 ounces. Carrying on school grounds or certain public places is prohibited. 10. Georgia Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be under 2 ounces. Prohibited in certain places like government buildings or schools. 11. Hawaii Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray must not exceed 3 ounces. It is illegal to carry it with the intent to use as a weapon, and carrying on school grounds is prohibited. 12. Idaho Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: The maximum size is typically 4 ounces, and use in self-defense situations is legal. 13. Illinois Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray must be for self-defense and should not exceed 2 ounces. Carrying it on school grounds or in government buildings is prohibited. 14. Indiana Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray should be used for self-defense, and the container size is generally capped at 2.5 ounces. Carrying in schools or government buildings is restricted. 15. Iowa Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray containers must not exceed 2.5 ounces, and it is prohibited on school grounds. 16. Kansas Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited on school grounds, government buildings, or certain public places. The container size is usually restricted to 4 ounces. 17. Kentucky Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying pepper spray is allowed, but there may be restrictions on carrying in schools or public buildings. Containers must not exceed 4 ounces. 18. Louisiana Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Generally, there are no significant restrictions, though carrying on school grounds or in certain government buildings is prohibited. 19. Maine Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying pepper spray in certain places like schools is prohibited, and the container size is typically limited to 3 ounces. 20. Maryland Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray cannot exceed 3 ounces. Prohibited on school grounds and government buildings. 21. Massachusetts Legal to possess and carry for self-defense with restrictions. *Cannot Ship Pepper Spray to MA Restrictions: Only for self-defense; container size is limited to 2 ounces. Carrying it in schools or government buildings is prohibited. 22. Michigan Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Containers cannot exceed 3 ounces. Prohibited on school grounds and certain public places. 23. Minnesota Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Must not exceed 2 ounces, and use is strictly for self-defense. Carrying on school grounds or certain public buildings is prohibited. 24. Mississippi Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Generally no restrictions, but carrying in schools or government buildings is prohibited. 25. Missouri Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying in certain public places is prohibited, and container size is typically capped at 2.5 ounces. 26. Montana Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be for self-defense, and containers typically cannot exceed 4 ounces. 27. Nebraska Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: The container size is typically limited to 4 ounces. Carrying it in schools or government buildings is prohibited. 28. Nevada Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Maximum container size is usually 3 ounces. Carrying it in schools or government buildings is prohibited. 29. New Hampshire Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: No major restrictions beyond prohibiting use in schools and public places. Carrying in government buildings is prohibited. 30. New Jersey Illegal for civilian use. Exceptions: Law enforcement and certain professionals may carry pepper spray. Civilian possession is restricted to self-defense-only use and requires a permit. 31. New Mexico Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and government buildings. Containers typically cannot exceed 4 ounces. 32. New York Legal with restrictions. *Cannot Ship to NY. Can only be purchased by certified seller in state. Restrictions: Maximum container size is 2 ounces. Carrying in schools, public buildings, or restricted areas is prohibited. 33. North Carolina Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and government buildings. Containers are limited to 4 ounces. 34. North Dakota Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: The container size is generally limited to 4 ounces, and use is restricted to self-defense. 35. Ohio Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying on school grounds and government buildings is prohibited. Pepper spray containers must be under 4 ounces. 36. Oklahoma Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Generally, pepper spray must be for self-defense purposes. Prohibited on school grounds and in government buildings. 37. Oregon Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: The maximum container size is typically 4 ounces, and carrying on school grounds is prohibited. 38. Pennsylvania Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: The container size is usually capped at 3 ounces. Carrying on school grounds is prohibited. 39. Rhode Island Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: The container size is typically limited to 2 ounces. Prohibited on school grounds and in government buildings. 40. South Carolina Legal to carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be used for self-defense, and the container size is typically capped at 2 ounces. 41. South Dakota Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited on school grounds, government buildings, and certain other locations. 42. Tennessee Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Maximum container size is 4 ounces. Prohibited in certain public places like schools. 43. Texas Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray must be for self-defense. The maximum container size is 2 ounces. 44. Utah Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Containers cannot exceed 4 ounces. Pepper spray is prohibited on school grounds and government buildings. 45. Vermont Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Pepper spray cannot be used in a threatening manner. No significant restrictions beyond school grounds and government buildings. 46. Virginia Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Carrying in schools and government buildings is prohibited. Maximum container size is typically 3 ounces. 47. Washington Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in certain public places like schools, government buildings, or airports. 48. West Virginia Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be for self-defense; prohibited in schools and some public places. 49. Wisconsin Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: The container size is limited to 2 ounces. Carrying on school grounds or in public buildings is prohibited. 50. Wyoming Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Must be for self-defense purposes only. Prohibited in schools and government buildings.
Stun Guns
A stun gun is a handheld self-defense device that delivers a high-voltage, low-amperage electric shock when its electrodes make contact with an attacker. It is designed to cause pain, muscle disruption, and temporary incapacitation, giving the user a chance to escape. Stun guns must be used at close range, as they require direct contact with the target to deliver the electrical charge.​
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Refer to the breakdown of kitty knuckle laws in all 50 states for general information about legality and restrictions. Regulations vary widely—some states allow them with few limits, while others restrict or prohibit possession or carry.
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Local city or county rules may also apply. This overview is for reference only. Always confirm current laws in your area or consult legal counsel for up-to-date guidance.
Stun Guns by State: 1. Alabama Legal for self-defense; no specific permit required. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and certain public places. 2. Alaska Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Concealed carry may require a permit, but stun guns are generally unrestricted in private settings. 3. Arizona Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Some limitations in certain places (schools, government buildings). 4. Arkansas Legal to possess and use for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry in restricted areas like schools or government buildings. 5. California Legal to possess and use for self-defense, with restrictions. *Restrictions: Cannot carry in certain areas like schools or government buildings. Background check may be required for purchase. 6. Colorado Legal to own and carry with a permit if concealed. Restrictions: Some local restrictions may apply. Prohibited in certain places like schools. 7. Connecticut Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools, and certain localities may regulate or restrict carry. 8. Delaware Legal with restrictions. Restrictions: Carrying in schools or government buildings is prohibited. 9. Florida Legal to possess and carry for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in certain public places like schools or government buildings. 10. Georgia Legal for self-defense, no permit required. Restrictions: Cannot carry in sensitive locations like schools or government buildings. 11. Hawaii *Illegal to possess or carry stun guns. Exceptions: Only law enforcement or authorized personnel may use them. 12. Idaho Legal for self-defense with minimal regulation. Restrictions: Some local regulations may apply. 13. Illinois Legal for self-defense with restrictions. Restrictions: Must be at least 18 to own; restricted in schools and other public places. Carrying may require a permit. 14. Indiana Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: May not be carried into schools or government buildings. 15. Iowa Legal for personal use. Restrictions: Prohibited on school grounds and certain public areas. 16. Kansas Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Some restrictions on carrying concealed without a permit. 17. Kentucky Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools, government buildings, or other restricted areas. 18. Louisiana Legal to possess and use for self-defense. Restrictions: May not be carried in certain places like schools. 19. Maine Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry on school grounds or in certain public buildings. 20. Maryland *Legal with restrictions. Restrictions: Carrying a stun gun may require a permit. Banned in certain locations such as schools. 21. Massachusetts *Legal with restrictions. Restrictions: Only licensed individuals may possess or carry stun guns. Prohibited in schools. 22. Michigan Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Some local regulations or restrictions may apply. 23. Minnesota Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry in restricted areas such as schools or public buildings. 24. Mississippi Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and other designated areas. 25. Missouri Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Carrying stun guns in certain public places may be restricted. 26. Montana Legal with few restrictions. Restrictions: May be prohibited in certain public or government buildings. 27. Nebraska Legal for personal use. Restrictions: Stun guns are prohibited in schools or government buildings. 28. Nevada Legal for self-defense, though some cities may have additional rules. Restrictions: Some restrictions on carrying them in specific locations like schools. 29. New Hampshire Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools or public buildings. 30. New Jersey *Illegal to possess or carry stun guns unless you are a licensed security guard. Exceptions: Legal for law enforcement and certain authorized individuals. 31. New Mexico Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Some local ordinances may regulate use or carry. 32. New York *Legal with restrictions. Restrictions: Requires a permit to carry a stun gun in some parts of the state; prohibited in schools and government buildings. 33. North Carolina Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and certain public places. 34. North Dakota Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Restricted in schools and government buildings. 35. Ohio Legal for personal use. Restrictions: Carrying may be prohibited in certain public places. 36. Oklahoma Legal to possess and use for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and government buildings. 37. Oregon Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Some local regulations may apply. Prohibited in schools and government buildings. 38. Pennsylvania Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: May be prohibited in certain public areas like schools and government buildings. 39. Rhode Island *Illegal to possess stun guns. Exceptions: Law enforcement or authorized personnel may use them. 40. South Carolina Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and certain public buildings. 41. South Dakota Legal with few restrictions. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and some government buildings. 42. Tennessee Legal for personal use. Restrictions: Cannot carry in schools or certain other public areas. 43. Texas Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry into schools or certain government buildings. 44. Utah Legal to possess and carry stun guns. Restrictions: Carrying concealed may require a permit. Restrictions in certain public places. 45. Vermont Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools or certain other public areas. 46. Virginia Legal for civilian use. Restrictions: Cannot carry in schools or other restricted areas. 47. Washington Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Cannot carry on school grounds or in other sensitive areas. 48. West Virginia Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Some local regulations may apply, but generally, stun guns are unrestricted. 49. Wisconsin Legal with restrictions. Restrictions: Certain local ordinances may regulate possession and carry; prohibited in schools. 50. Wyoming Legal for self-defense. Restrictions: Prohibited in schools and government buildings.
Kitty Knuckles (brass knuckles)
Kitty knuckles (also called cat keychains or self-defense knuckles) are small, handheld personal-protection tools shaped like a cat’s head. The “ears” form two pointed ends designed to apply pressure if used for self-defense, while the finger holes provide grip and control. Although marketed as safety keychains, many states classify them similarly to brass knuckles, which can affect their legality.
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Refer to the breakdown of brass knuckle laws in all 50 states for general information about legality and restrictions. Regulations vary widely—some states allow them with few limits, while others restrict or prohibit possession or carry.
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Local city or county rules may also apply. This overview is for reference only. Always confirm current laws in your area or consult legal counsel for up-to-date guidance.
Kitty Knuckles by State: 1.Alabama Brass knuckles are legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without a permit (misdemeanor). 2. Alaska Illegal to manufacture, possess, transport, sell, or transfer metal knuckles. 3. Arizona Legal to carry concealed without a permit (21+). Use in a crime can result in a felony. 4. Arkansas Fully illegal (sale, possession, manufacture, etc.). Penalties range from misdemeanor to felony. 5. California Completely banned (metal or plastic). Illegal to buy, sell, possess, carry, or manufacture. Jail or prison penalties. 6. Colorado Illegal, including knuckle-shaped accessories. Up to $1,000 fine and 1 year jail. 7. Connecticut Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without a permit (misdemeanor). 8. Delaware Illegal to carry without a concealed permit (felony for first offense). 9. District of Columbia Illegal to possess or carry. Only certain on-duty professionals exempt. 10. Florida Legal to own. Requires concealed weapon permit to carry concealed (misdemeanor penalties). 11. Georgia Legal to own and carry. Illegal in schools/hospitals or when used to injure. 12. Hawaii Legal to sell/possess. Illegal to carry or keep in vehicle (misdemeanor). 13. Idaho No specific statute. May be considered a dangerous weapon based on intent. 14. Illinois Fully illegal, including knuckle-style jewelry. Using them to injure is a felony. 15. Indiana Legal to own and carry. Illegal to use in violence. 16. Iowa No specific statute. May be treated as dangerous weapon depending on intent. 17. Kansas Fully illegal (sale, possession, manufacturing). Penalties range from misdemeanor to felony. 18. Kentucky No permit required for concealed carry (age 21+). 19. Louisiana Legal to carry concealed with a permit. 20. Maine Illegal to possess or carry. 21. Maryland Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without permit (misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000, up to 3 years jail). 22. Massachusetts Fully illegal. Penalties include fines ($50–$1,000) or up to 6 months jail. 23. Michigan Fully illegal. Felony with up to $2,500 fine and 5 years prison. 24. Minnesota Fully illegal. Penalties vary (misdemeanor to felony). 25. Mississippi Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed (fine $100–$500, up to 6 months jail). 26. Missouri Legal as of Aug. 28, 2022 (ban repealed). 27. Montana No specific law. May be considered dangerous weapon depending on intent. 28. Nebraska Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without permit. Some locations prohibit even with permit. Misdemeanor. 29. Nevada Fully illegal. Penalty up to $2,000 fine and/or 1 year jail. 30. New Hampshire Illegal to sell or carry. Misdemeanor: up to $2,000 fine and 1 year jail. 31. New Jersey Illegal to possess or carry. Limited lawful exceptions. Felony penalties up to $10,000 fine & 18 months jail (higher with intent). 32. New Mexico Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without permit (misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine & 3 years jail). 33. New York Fully illegal (metal or plastic). Penalty: misdemeanor up to 1 year jail. 34. North Carolina Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without permit (misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine & 3 years jail). 35. North Dakota Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed without permit; some locations restricted even with permit. Misdemeanor. 36. Ohio Not specifically listed but can be considered a deadly weapon. Illegal to carry concealed without permit. 37. Oklahoma Illegal to carry unless compliant with Self-Defense Act (misdemeanor). 38. Oregon Legal to own. Illegal to carry concealed (misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine & 3 years jail). 39. Pennsylvania Fully illegal (sale, possession, manufacture, transport). Misdemeanor up to 5 years prison. 40. Rhode Island Illegal to possess or carry. Misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine & 1 year jail. 41. South Carolina Legal to own and carry. Not allowed in schools or hospitals. Illegal if carried with criminal intent. 42. South Dakota Legal, including concealed carry unless intent to harm (felony if intent present). 43. Tennessee Fully illegal (sale, possession, manufacture, etc.). Penalties range from misdemeanor to felony. 44. Texas Legal to possess and carry since Sept. 1, 2019. 45. Utah No specific law. May be considered a dangerous weapon depending on intent. 46. Vermont Fully illegal (possession, sale, use). Penalty: misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine & 5 years prison. 47. Virginia Illegal to carry without a concealed weapon permit. Misdemeanor; second offense is felony. 48. Washington Fully illegal. Gross misdemeanor up to $5,000 fine & 1 year jail. 49. West Virginia Illegal to carry without concealed weapon permit. Misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine & 1 year jail. 50. Wisconsin Legal to own at home. Illegal to carry concealed without a permit (Class A misdemeanor). 51. Wyoming Legal to possess. Illegal to carry concealed without permit (misdemeanor up to $750 fine & 6 months jail).
Disclaimer
The legal information provided above is based on the best knowledge available at this time but may not be complete or current. It should not be considered legal advice. Customers are responsible for checking local and state laws regarding the possession and use of Stun Guns, Pepper Spray, and Kitty Knuckles. Please consult local authorities or legal counsel for the most up-to-date regulations.
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MAK Safety is not responsible for determining the legality of these products in your area. The buyer is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.