Is It Legal To Use Pepper Spray In NYC? The Answer Is More Complicated Than You Think
New York can sometimes be a dangerous place. This is why many residents look to defend themselves if at all possible. Pepper spray is a relatively non-violent way to defend yourself, and may be your last line of defense against an armed criminal.
With that being said, buying and carrying pepper spray is not as simple as you may think. In fact, if you’re thinking about carrying, after you read this list, it may be a better choice being unarmed, as it is just so easy to break the law.
Pepper spray is permitted for use in New York, but obtaining it involves some complexities. The law allows anyone aged 18 and above to carry and use pepper spray for self-defense.
However, there are A LOT of conditions:
- Purchases must be made in person, and individuals are limited to buying a maximum of two canisters.
- Shipping pepper sprays and gels to New York is prohibited by law.
- The active ingredient in each self-defense spray must be solely oleoresin capsicum and no other substance.
- Every spray must be equipped with a safety device and sold in a securely sealed, tamper-proof package.
- Camouflaging self-defense sprays is not permitted under the law.
- Pepper spray can only be used for self-defense purposes. It is illegal to use pepper spray for offensive or aggressive actions.
- The pepper spray canister must be pocket-sized and cannot exceed a certain amount of spray.
- It is not permissible to carry pepper spray in public schools, on school grounds, or on school buses.
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase and possess pepper spray.
- The concentration of the pepper spray must not exceed a certain level (usually 10% capsaicinoid content).
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