Pepper Spray Laws in California

Pepper spray is a chemical compound that is sprayed from a small canister or "gun." The compound irritates the eyes and mouth and causes tears, intense pain and even temporary blindness. Pepper spray is commonly used for personal self-defense, riot control and defense against attacking animals such as dogs, mountain lions and bears. Though legal throughout the United States, each state, including California, carries its own laws and regulations that need to be reviewed prior to buying or using pepper spray.

Function

A single shot of pepper spray is strong enough to protect a victim from a human or animal by temporarily disabling their attacker. Pepper spray is small, can be easily carried in a purse or car, and is a self-defense weapon that can be used in both high-population areas and remote outdoor locations such as campgrounds and hiking trails. In most cases, the use of pepper spray does not end in a fatal result, but will give the holder necessary time to escape their attacker and assure their personal safety.

Considerations

Pepper spray should be used only when you feel threatened or you need to protect someone else. The purpose of pepper spray is to be kept and held as a self-defense device, and nothing more. Improper use of a pepper spray device could lead to a lawsuit, a hefty fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment. Pepper spray is not allowed in certain areas such as airplanes, federal or state buildings or any place where security clearance is required. Taking pepper spray into such an area is a federal crime with a fine of up to $25,000.

California Law

In California, anyone of legal age may purchase, possess or use a pepper spray device. Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to buy, have possession of or use pepper spray. California also requires that the maximum canister size be 2.5 ounces in weight, and must carry a label that says, "WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous---use with care."

Misuse

Any use of a pepper spray device not used directly for self-defense or the protecting of another person is considered misuse in the state of California. Examples of misuse include spraying people in anger, spraying the canister as a joke or spraying animals to be cruel. It is also considered misuse if pepper spray is possessed by someone on the prohibited list, which includes minors and persons convicted of felonies.

Warning

Once sprayed, there is no way to completely neutralize pepper spray, thus the tight restrictions on its proper use. A big misconception is to wash it away with water---but in reality water will not wash it off, but only prolong the burning. Blinking or crying is one of the best ways to flush pepper spray out of the eyes, and it is recommended to not touch or rub the infected areas. Other methods used to alleviate the burning sensation from pepper spray include cold water, ice, milk or using a fan.

References

• California Pepper Spray Ownership Regulations
• Pepper Spray Warnings
• About Pepper Spray