
Know the Law Before You Buy
Before purchasing any self-defense product, it’s important to understand whether it's legal in your state or city. Guard Dog Security is committed to helping you stay informed and protected—legally.
Self-Defense Laws Vary—Here’s What You Need to Know
Many Guard Dog Security products are legal to own and carry across the U.S. However, state, city, and county laws may have specific restrictions—especially regarding pepper sprays, stun guns, tactical batons, and other protection devices.
As a responsible customer, it is your duty to verify these laws before purchasing or carrying a product. This page offers a general overview of current regulations, but laws change frequently and may be interpreted differently across jurisdictions.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult your local law enforcement or legal counsel to confirm legality in your area.
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View Laws by Product Type
Stun Guns
What states are stun guns illegal?
The following states are illegal to own or posses a stun gun:

Hawaii | Rhode Island | U.S. Virgin Islands.
Stun guns are legal for civilian self-defense in the other 48 states as long as:

Not a minor | Do not have any felony record | Only use it for self defense.

Pepper Spray
In what states is Pepper Spray legal?Pepper spray is legal, In all 50 states as long as:
Over the age of 18 | Have not been convicted of a felony or an assault Pepper spray is legal for you to possess in quantities less than 1/2oz. with certain other restrictions in the following states:


Is Stun guns Legal in Your State?
Is Pepper spray Legal in Your State?
State | Legal for Consumer Use/Possession | Permit Required |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Legal | No |
Alaska | Legal | No |
Arizona | Legal | No |
Arkansas | Legal | No |
California | Legal | No |
Colorado | Legal | No |
Conneticut | Legal | No |
Delaware | Legal | No |
District of Columbia | Legal | No |
Florida | Legal | No |
Georgia | Legal | No |
Hawaii | Illegal | N/A |
Idaho | Legal | No |
Illinois | Legal with FOID | YES |
Indiana | Legal (Tasers require handgun license) |
No |
Iowa | Legal | No |
Kansas | Legal | No |
Kentucky | Legal | No |
Louisiana | Legal | No |
Maine | Legal | No |
Maryland | Legal | No |
Massachusetts | Legal | No |
Michigan | Legal with concealed carry permit | YES |
Minnesota | Legal | No |
Mississippi | Legal | No |
Missouri | Legal | No |
State | Legal for Consumer Use/Possession | Permit Required? |
Montana | Legal | No |
Nebraska | Legal | No |
Nevada | Legal | No |
New Hampshire | Legal | No |
New Jersey | Legal | No |
New Mexico | Legal | No |
New York | Legal | No |
North Carolina | Legal (no concealed carry outside of own premises) | No |
North Dakota | Legal | No |
Ohio | Legal | No |
Oklahoma | Legal | No |
Oregon | Legal | No |
Pennsylvania | Legal | No |
Rhode Island | Illegal | N/A |
South Carolina | Legal | No |
South Dakota | Legal | No |
Tennessee | Legal | No |
Texas | Legal | No |
Utah | Legal | No |
Vermont | Legal | No |
Virginia | Legal | No |
Washington | Legal | No |
West Virginia | Legal | No |
Wisconsin | Legal with CCW license | YES |
Wyoming | Legal | No |
U.S. Virgin Islands | Illegal | N/A |
No results found.
State | Legal for Consumer Use/Possession | Permit Required |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Legal | No |
Alaska | Legal with restrictions Less than 5 oz. | No |
Arizona | Legal | No |
Arkansas | Legal with restrictions Less than 5 oz. | No |
California | Legal with restrictions Less than 2.5 ounces. | No |
Colorado | Legal | No |
Conneticut | Legal | No |
Delaware | Legal | No |
District of Columbia | Legal | No |
Florida | Legal with restrictions: Less than 2 ounces. |
No |
Georgia | Legal | No |
Hawaii | Legal with restrictions: Less than 1/2 oz. License required. |
N/A |
Idaho | Legal | No |
Illinois | Legal | YES |
Indiana | Legal | No |
Iowa | Legal | No |
Kansas | Legal | No |
Kentucky | Legal | No |
Louisiana | Legal | No |
Maine | Legal | No |
Maryland | Legal | No |
Massachusetts | Legal with restrictions: Must be non-felon over 18. Legal to carry and use for self defencse. Cannot ship sprays used against humans through the mail to the state. Animal sprays, such as Dog Repellant are legal. |
No |
Michigan | Legal with restrictions: Less than 1.2 oz. Cannot contain more than: 18% oleoresin capsicum (OC) or 1.4% MC. |
YES |
Minnesota | Legal | No |
Mississippi | Legal | No |
Missouri | Legal | No |
Montana | Legal | No |
Nebraska | Legal | No |
Nevada | Legal with restrictions: 2 oz limit on CS tear gas, pepper spray is exempt. |
No |
New Hampshire | Legal | No |
New Jersey | Legal with restrictions: Must be non-felon over 18. Less than 3/4 oz. |
No |
New Mexico | Legal | No |
New York | Legal with restrictions: Must be non-felon over 18. Legal to carry and use for self defense. Cannot ship sprays used agains humans through the mail to the state. Animal sprays, such as Dog Repellant are legal. |
No |
North Carolina | Legal with restrictions: When carrying for protection against people, Less than 5 oz. |
No |
North Dakota | Legal | No |
Ohio | Legal | No |
Oklahoma | Legal | No |
Oregon | Legal | No |
Pennsylvania | Legal | No |
Rhode Island | Illegal | N/A |
South Carolina | Legal | No |
South Dakota | Legal | No |
Tennessee | Legal | No |
Texas | Legal | No |
Utah | Legal | No |
Vermont | Legal | No |
Virginia | Legal | No |
Washington | Legal. 14 and up with parent permission. |
No |
West Virginia | Legal | No |
Wisconsin | Legal with restrictions: Less than 2 oz. Cannot contain more than: 10% OC (oleoresin capsicum) or 1.2% MC. |
YES |
Wyoming | Legal | No |
No results found.
Common Restrictions Across States
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Age Limits
Most states require users to be 18 or older to purchase or carry pepper spray or stun guns.
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Size Restrictions
Some self-defense products may be subject to size restrictions depending on local laws.
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Criminal Background
Many jurisdictions prohibit ownership of self-defense weapons by individuals with felony records.
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Concealed Carry Laws
Some products may require a concealed carry permit, depending on the state and method of carry.
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Can I carry a stun gun while traveling between states?
Laws vary widely. Even if a stun gun is legal in your home state, it may be restricted or illegal in others. Always check the laws of each state you'll pass through.
Are self-defense products allowed on school or college campuses?
Rules vary by campus. Many schools restrict or ban weapons, including stun guns and pepper spray, even if they're legal in the state. Always check with your school’s campus safety office before bringing any self-defense items.
Do I need a license or permit to carry pepper spray?
In most states, pepper spray is legal for personal use without a permit. However, some states have restrictions on size, strength, or age requirements. Always verify local laws before carrying.
What happens if I violate a local weapons law by accident?
Even accidental violations can result in confiscation, fines, or legal trouble. Ignorance of the law is not always a valid defense, so it’s important to research the rules in any area you're traveling to or through.
Still Have Questions?
Not sure if a product is legal in your state? Our team is here to help you shop safely and legally.
Your Responsibility as a Buyer
All customers are solely responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws regarding the possession and use of any Guard Dog Security product. We encourage you to verify all applicable laws before placing an order or carrying any self-defense tool. This website does not provide legal advice. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.