guide · personal safety ·Aug 13, 2025

Self-Defense Weapon Laws by State: Know What’s Legal

Updated August 2025

If you carry for protection, you need to know your state’s non-lethal self-defense laws. Pepper spray, tasers, stun guns, pocket knives, and other personal safety devices are legal in many places, but details vary by state and even by city. This guide summarizes self-defense weapons laws, spotlights common restrictions (age, container size, permits), and links to official sources so you can verify before you buy.

Important: Laws change. Always check your state or local government website for the latest rules in your area. Use this article as a starting point, not a substitute for official guidance.

Overview of Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons

These weapons are designed to incapacitate or deter an attacker without causing permanent harm, making them ideal for individuals seeking personal safety without the risks associated with firearms.

Non-lethal tools can stop a threat long enough to break contact, offering a legally accessible way of protecting yourself. These weapons are designed to incapacitate or deter an attacker without causing permanent harm.

Common options include pepper spray, a taser or stun gun, personal alarm, tactical flashlight, pocket knife, kubotan keychain, a self-defense baton, and (in some states) brass knuckles. Rules vary by device and location; typical limits include pepper-spray canister size, age minimums, where you can carry (e.g., schools), and whether a concealed-carry permit is required for tasers/stun guns.

Pick something you can carry daily and deploy under stress. Need a quick rundown before you choose? See our field guide to the best non-lethal self-defense options.

Practical notes by tool (skim this before you buy):

Pepper spray: Simple to use; check size limits and restricted locations. Train for draw and aim under stress.
Taser/Stun gun: More stopping power; some states require permits/background checks. Practice contact and probe deployment.
Pocket knife: Highly “hands-on”; blade-length and concealed-carry rules vary by state/city. Know your local code.
Self-defense baton: Effective impact tool, but carry/possession is tightly regulated in many jurisdictions. Get training.
Brass knuckles: Legalized in some states, banned in others; don’t assume. Verify before carry.
Personal alarm: Easiest to deploy; works best with movement to create distance and draw attention.
Tactical flashlight: Legal almost everywhere; use for ID and disorientation, then move off-line.
Kubotan/keychain: Requires close contact and technique; pair with training to be effective.

The Legality of Self-Defense Weapons By State

Just like gun laws, the legality of self-defense weapons differ widely, and some changed recently. Use the state-by-state summaries below for quick answers, plus notable restrictions (school grounds, purchase rules, permits). Each state includes a link to an official statute or agency page so you can verify the current state and local law.

Alabama Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Generally legal for adults; criminal use (e.g., during another offense or against an officer) is a felony. Avoid school grounds.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal to possess; follow prohibited-location rules (e.g., schools).
Source: Alabama Code Title 13A (weapons & school premises).

Alaska Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Generally legal; no specific statewide size limit noted. Standard “prohibited person”/misuse rules apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; governed under weapons-misconduct statutes (e.g., misuse or certain circumstances).
Source: Alaska Stat. §11.61 (weapons misconduct).

Arizona Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for self-defense.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; statute addresses “remote stun guns” and misuse, including against officers.
Source: A.R.S. §13-3117. Arizona Legislature

Arkansas Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for self-defense; container ≤300 ml (10.1 oz).
Taser/Stun gun: Under 18 may not buy/possess; adults legal.
Source: Ark. Code §5-73-124; §5-73-133.

California Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for self-defense; canisters up to 2.5 oz.
Taser/Stun gun: Generally legal for most adults; minors need parental consent (≥16). Weapons banned on school grounds.
Source: Cal. Penal Code §22810, 22610, 626.10.

Colorado Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for self-defense; standard misuse rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; illegal use in a crime is a felony.
Source: C.R.S. §18-12-106.5.

Connecticut Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; misuse/locations still apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Treated as “electronic defense weapons”; public carry and possession are regulated; review state definitions and offenses before carry.
Source: CGS §53a-3(20); §53a-217.

Delaware Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal as “disabling chemical spray” under Title 11 definitions; use must be lawful.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal for adults not otherwise prohibited; general weapons offenses still apply.
Source: Del. Code tit. 11 §222 (definitions).

Florida Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: “Self-defense chemical spray” ≤2 oz; open carry explicitly allowed for self-defense.
Taser/Stun gun: “Nonlethal” stun guns/dart-firing stun guns may be carried for lawful self-defense.
Source: Fla. Stat. §790.001; §790.01/§790.053. Florida Senate

Georgia Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; school-zone prohibitions apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Generally legal; prohibited in school safety zones and certain locations.
Source: O.C.G.A. §16-11-127.1 (school safety zones).

Hawaii Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; product/sale rules apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal since 1/1/2022; regulated (background check/authorized sellers, sensitive-place rules subsequently added).
Source: Act 183 (2021); HRS Ch. 134 (electric guns). Hawaii State Legislature

Idaho Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Generally legal; standard misuse rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal for adults; observe prohibited-person/location laws.
Source: Idaho Code Title 18 (weapons offenses).

Illinois Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Generally legal; locations/misuse still apply.
Taser/Stun gun: FOID card required to acquire/possess; carry in public subject to additional rules.
Source: 430 ILCS 65/2; 720 ILCS 5/24-1. Illinois General Assembly

Indiana Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; standard misuse rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal for adults; follow location restrictions.
Source: Indiana Code Title 35 (weapons).

Iowa Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse and certain locations restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; check local restrictions and state preemption updates.
Source: Iowa Code Ch. 724.

Kansas Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse prohibited.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; observe location restrictions.
Source: Kansas Stat. Annotated Ch. 21 (weapons).

Kentucky Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal to carry.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; standard prohibited-person and location rules apply.
Source: KRS Ch. 237 & 527.

Louisiana Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse prohibited.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general weapons rules/locations.
Source: La. R.S. Title 14 (weapons).

Maine Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/assault statutes apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; general restrictions apply.
Source: Me. Rev. Stat. Title 25/17-A.

Maryland Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; some localities formerly restricted (now preempted); verify locations.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal for adults; prohibited-person/location rules apply.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Law & Pub. Safety.

Massachusetts Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray (mace): Adults 18+ may purchase/carry without FID; prohibited persons restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal but regulated like firearms (licensing/storage/dealer rules).
Source: MGL c.140 §§122C, 122D, 131J; state guidance. Mass.gov

Michigan Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal with formulation/volume limits for certain agents; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal for adults; follow general weapons rules and prohibited locations.
Source: MCL §750.224 (and related).

Minnesota Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location restrictions apply.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person rules.
Source: Minn. Stat. §609.66 (dangerous weapons).

Mississippi Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Generally legal; misuse restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general rules.
Source: Miss. Code §97-37.

Missouri Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person/location rules.
Source: RSMo Ch. 571.

Montana Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; general misuse rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; standard location restrictions.
Source: MCA Title 45.

Nebraska Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow local ordinances and state law.
Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1201 et seq.

Nevada Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location limits.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person rules.
Source: NRS Ch. 202.

New Hampshire Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general rules.
Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) 159.

New Jersey Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults (18+); personal-defense sprays up to 0.75 oz.
Taser/Stun gun: Ban ended by 2017 consent order; legal for adults, with minors/prohibited-person limits.
Source: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(i); NJ AG/NJSP materials. NJ.gov

New Mexico Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general rules.
Source: NMSA Ch. 30.

New York Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; must be purchased in person from licensed sellers; PPB-17 form used by dealers.
Taser/Stun gun: Statewide ban found unconstitutional by federal court in 2019; subsequent NYC/state litigation has produced conflicting outcomes; check local rules, especially in NYC.
Source: NY Penal Law §265.20 (self-defense spray); NYSP PPB-17.

North Carolina Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; container/strength limits may apply in some contexts; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow location restrictions (e.g., schools/government).
Source: N.C.G.S. Ch. 14.

North Dakota Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse restricted.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person rules apply.
Source: N.D.C.C. Title 62.1.

Ohio Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general weapons/location rules.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code Title 29.

Oklahoma Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal to carry for self-defense.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; standard restrictions apply.
Source: 21 O.S. §1272.2 et seq.

Oregon Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person rules apply.
Source: ORS Ch. 166.

Pennsylvania Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Allowed for self-defense; statute defines offenses for unlawful use/possession.
Source: 18 Pa.C.S. §908.1. Pennsylvania General Assembly

Rhode Island Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Former ban struck down as unconstitutional in 2022; devices legal subject to general restrictions.
Source: O’Neil v. Neronha (D.R.I. 2022).

South Carolina Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; misuse/location rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general restrictions.
Source: S.C. Code Title 16.

South Dakota Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person/location rules apply.
Source: SDCL Title 22.

Tennessee Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; general restrictions apply.
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. Title 39.

Texas Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal to carry.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; standard restrictions.
Notable: Brass knuckles were legalized in 2019 (HB 446).
Source: Tex. Penal Code Ch. 46; HB 446. Texas Legislature Online

Utah Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general rules.
Source: Utah Code Title 76.

Vermont Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location rules.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; general restrictions apply.
Source: 13 V.S.A. §4016 et seq.

Virginia Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow location bans (e.g., some government buildings/schools).
Source: Va. Code §18.2.

Washington Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse/location limits.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; prohibited-person/location rules apply.
Source: RCW Title 9A.

West Virginia Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; general restrictions apply.
Source: W. Va. Code §61-7.

Wisconsin Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal with specifications in statute; misuse (e.g., to cause bodily harm) penalized; statute exempts OC products from certain prohibitions.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; follow general weapons/location rules.
Source: Wis. Stat. §941.26(4). Wisconsin Legislative Documents

Wyoming Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal; misuse penalized.
Taser/Stun gun: Legal; general restrictions apply.
Source: Wyo. Stat. Title 6 (offenses).

Tips for Choosing Legal Self Defense Tools

Start with legality. Confirm your state’s limits on pepper-spray capacity, taser/stun-gun purchase rules, carry locations (e.g., schools), and age/permit requirements. Then choose personal safety tools you can actually carry and deploy every day. Pepper spray and personal alarms are compact and simple. Tasers/stun guns add stopping power but demand practice and may have extra rules. If you carry a pocket knife or baton, learn your local blade-length and carry restrictions.

If you’re upgrading beyond the best non-lethal weapons, read our guide on is body armor legal where you live and how it fits into a layered defense plan.

Legal Self-Defense FAQ

Is pepper spray legal in all 50 states?

Pepper spray for self-defense is generally legal throughout the United States, but a few states add limits (e.g., container size, point-of-sale). Examples: California ≤2.5 oz; Florida ≤2 oz; New York requires in-person purchase from licensed sellers.

Do I need a permit for a taser or stun gun?

Usually no, but some states regulate purchase/possession or treat devices like firearms (e.g., Illinois FOID; Massachusetts licensing framework). Always check your state and any city rules.

Are there places I can’t carry non-lethal tools?

Yes. School grounds and certain government facilities often prohibit weapons, including stun guns and sprays. California is a clear example.

What about brass knuckles?

Rules vary widely. Texas legalized knuckles in 2019, but other states still restrict them. As we've said, verify your state to be sure.

New York looks complicated; what’s the status?

Self-defense sprays are legal with in-person purchase rules statewide. Electric weapons have seen conflicting court rulings; NYC maintains local restrictions, so check the latest before possession/carry.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself and Stay Within the Law

Laws aren’t static. Check them before you carry, especially if you travel or move. Choose self defense products you can deploy quickly under stress, train with them, and carry consistently.

Premier Body Armor is here to help you stay prepared. Explore our non-lethal protection and education resources, from tactical flashlight self-defense to guides on top tools for home defense and body armor legality, and build a layered plan that fits your routine.