New York City’s crime rates are climbing. Felony crimes hit a 15-year high, and serious assaults spiked by 18%. Violent crime against the elderly has also been rising for years. With safety concerns growing, many people consider carrying pepper spray for protection. 

But is pepper spray legal in NYC? Can you carry it on the subway? How about the plane? Let’s break down the laws so you know what’s allowed and what’s not below.

How Does Pepper Spray Work?

Pepper spray is a popular self-defense tool that can stop an attacker in their tracks. It contains oleoresin capsicum, an extract from chili peppers. But getting sprayed with it is much worse than eating it. 

The substance causes intense burning, tears, and temporary blindness when it hits the eyes. It also creates a painful, stinging sensation on the skin. Plus, it makes breathing difficult when inhaled. 

Most pepper sprays come in small aerosol canisters, so they’re easy to carry and use. They usually spray in a stream, mist, or fog, depending on the design. When sprayed, the capsaicin irritates mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. This leads to an immediate reaction. Victims also often experience uncontrollable tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The effects usually wear off within an hour. 

Pepper spray is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the same scale used for spicy peppers. A jalapeño is about 8,000 SHU, while pepper spray can range from 500,000 to five million SHU, which is far hotter than a habanero. This extreme heat level is what makes it so effective.

Law enforcement has used pepper spray since the 1970s to subdue suspects. Many civilians carry it for personal protection because it’s portable and non-lethal. While the effects are intense, they’re temporary. As a result, they’re safer alternatives to weapons like guns or tasers. 

Can You Legally Carry Pepper Spray in NYC?

Yes, you can legally carry pepper spray in NYC, but there are strict rules. First, you must be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions. You also can’t just buy it anywhere. You can only purchase pepper spray from licensed dealers within the state. And do you want to order it online? Not allowed.

There are also limits on the size and strength of pepper spray. The canister can’t be larger than 0.75 ounces, and the spray itself can’t have more than 0.7% major capsaicinoids, the active ingredient that causes the burning sensation. These restrictions make sure it’s used for self-defense.

You also need to sign a form confirming that you understand the laws when buying pepper spray in NYC. The seller keeps a record of the sale. This extra step is meant to ensure people use it responsibly.

Even though carrying pepper spray is legal, there are places where it may be restricted, such as government buildings, courthouses, and some private businesses. If you travel outside of New York, check the local laws because pepper spray regulations vary by state.

Most importantly, you should know how to use pepper spray when carrying it. Accidental sprays are painful, and in a real emergency, you don’t want to fumble with the canister. A quick spray on the attacker’s face gives you enough time to escape, but misuse could lead to legal trouble.

So, yes, you can legally carry pepper spray in NYC, but only if you follow the rules. Buy it from the right place, use it only for self-defense, and be aware of restrictions. Stay informed, stay safe, and carry it responsibly.

Is It Legal to Carry Pepper Spray in the NYC Subway?

Yes, it is legal to carry pepper spray on the NYC subway, as long as you follow the rules. The same regulations that apply to carrying pepper spray in the city apply to the subway. You need to be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions. The canister can’t also be larger than 0.75 ounces, and the strength of the spray must not exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids.

While carrying it in the subway is legal, pepper spray should only be used in self-defense. You could face legal consequences if you use it for any other purpose. It’s also important to note that while the subway itself doesn’t have a specific ban on pepper spray, some places—like government buildings or private businesses—may have their own rules.

So, if you're carrying pepper spray for protection while riding the subway, make sure you keep it in your bag or pocket. Be aware of your surroundings, and only use it if you're in danger. 

Is It Legal to Use Pepper Spray in NYC?

Yes, it is legal to use pepper spray in NYC. You can legally use it for self-defense, but it should only be used when protecting yourself from an immediate threat. Using it in any other situation could get you into legal trouble.

To legally carry and use pepper spray, you need to be at least 18 years old, and you must not have any felony convictions. The pepper spray itself can’t be too strong—it should not exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids, the chemical that makes it effective. The canister must also be small, no bigger than 0.75 ounces.

It’s important to note that pepper spray is for self-defense only. Misusing it in situations like trying to scare someone or using it in an argument can lead to legal consequences. So, yes, you can use pepper spray in NYC, but make sure you’re following the rules. Keep it for self-defense, and only use it when necessary. 

Is It Legal to Buy Pepper Spray in NYC?

Yes, it's legal to buy pepper spray in NYC, but there are some rules. For one, the law requires that you be 18 or older to buy pepper spray. You also can't buy it from anywhere. It needs to be a certified seller, like a licensed firearms dealer. In short, it’s legal to buy pepper spray in NYC as long as you're using it for personal safety. 

Is It Legal to Ship Pepper Spray to NYC?

While it’s legal to purchase and use pepper spray in NYC, shipping it there is another thing. New York bans the shipment of pepper spray into its boundaries, regardless of the seller’s location. This is because pepper spray is classified as a weapon under New York laws, and the city wants to control its distribution closely.

You can legally buy pepper spray in New York if you purchase it from a licensed seller within the state. The seller must be registered with the proper authorities, and you must be at least 18 years old. Even though you can buy pepper spray in person, it’s important to know that it must be under 0.75 ounces. This limits the amount of force it can deliver and prevents abuse or misuse.

So, while you might be able to buy it in other states or online, it’s illegal to ship pepper spray to NYC. If you live in the city and want pepper spray for self-defense, your best bet is to buy it directly from a licensed seller in person.

How to Use Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is only used for self-defense. Use it only if you feel threatened, and try to stay calm so you can act quickly. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to using pepper spray:

1. Grab Your Spray

Make sure you have a firm grip on the pepper spray. You want to hold it tightly so your attacker can't snatch it away from you.

2. Aim at the Attacker

Aim it at your attacker once you’re ready. Focus on their eyes, mouth, nose, or anywhere above the chest. Those areas are more sensitive and will react faster to the spray.

3. Flip the Safety and Spray

Remove the safety cover, which is usually a flip-top or plastic shield. Once that’s off, press the button to release the spray. Make sure you aim directly at the attacker’s face or upper body.

4. Get Away

Quickly get to a safe place where you can’t be reached. Run if you can, and stay alert.

5. Call Authorities

Call the police once you're in a safe spot. Describe the situation and give important details like the location and what your attacker looks like. 

What Weapons Are Legal in NYC for Self-Defense?

There are several legal self-defense tools in NYC, though each comes with specific restrictions. 

One of the most common and legal self-defense tools is pepper spray. You don’t need a permit to carry pepper spray in New York, but there are important rules. The container must be small (under 0.75 ounces), and you need to be at least 18 years old to carry it. 

Another legal self-defense tool in New York is a small knife. Tools like key knives or credit card knives are allowed as long as they’re not longer than four inches. While these small knives are legal for self-defense, larger knives, like switchblades or metal knuckle knives, are illegal in New York. If you want to carry a knife, make sure it’s small to stay within the law.

Personal defense alarms are also a legal and effective self-defense tool in NYC. These devices emit a loud, attention-grabbing noise when activated. They’re compact, portable, and easy to use in an emergency. A personal alarm can scare an attacker by attracting attention and creating a distraction. 

Where to Get Pepper Spray in NYC

You can buy pepper spray in-store in NYC. This allows you to get the product immediately. You can also check out the product in person and ask store employees for recommendations. 

There are stores in NYC that carry pepper spray, including Prepared Hero products. Check out the physical stores that carry Prepared Hero products here. You can search by store name or enter your address to locate the nearest location.

You can also buy pepper spray at some drugstores in NYC, especially the larger chains. However, smaller pharmacies may not sell it. 

Can You Bring Pepper Spray on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring pepper spray on a plane, but only if it’s inside your check bags. You can’t bring pepper spray in your carry-on. It’s considered a weapon, and the TSA won’t allow it. 

The container must be four ounces or less and have a safety lock. 

Even then, some airlines, like United, Southwest, and JetBlue, ban it completely, so always check your airline’s policies before flying. If you want an alternative, personal safety alarms are TSA-approved and easy to carry. 

Does Pepper Spray Expire?

Yes, pepper spray expires. Over time, the propellant loses pressure, and the active ingredient weakens, making it less effective. Most sprays last about two years, but heat and cold can shorten their shelf life. Even if it looks fine, an expired canister might not work when needed. Always check the expiration date, test it regularly, and replace it if it’s weak or past its prime. 

What Does Pepper Spray Feel Like?

Pepper spray feels painful. The attacker’s eyes slam shut, and it feels like someone dumped boiling hot sauce on them. They water uncontrollably, and trying to open them just makes it worse. 

Breathing also gets rough because their throat burns, and every breath feels like inhaling fire. Coughing, wheezing, and a choking sensation kick in fast. The skin also stings like a nasty sunburn, and touching it spreads the pain. The worst part? The pain doesn’t stop immediately. However, the effects are temporary. 

The Prepared Hero Difference

Not all pepper sprays are made equal. Want to see how Prepared Hero’s Pepper Spray Keychain outshines the regular stuff? Check out this table, and you might just rethink your current choice.

Check out Prepared Hero's Pepper Spray Max if you need a long-range pepper spray. It can work up to 20 feet. It also comes with a safety cover that prevents accidental discharge. The cover easily moves out of the way, so you can use the spray right away. It’s the perfect companion when you go out at night, walk alone, drive strangers, jog, or walk your dog. 

Conclusion

Pepper spray is a legal self-defense tool in NYC, but there are rules you need to follow. You must be at least 18, buy it from a licensed seller, and only use it for self-defense. While you can carry it in places like the subway, some locations may have restrictions. Knowing the laws and how to use pepper spray makes sure you stay safe and avoid legal trouble. 

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable personal safety tools that scare off attackers? Check out Prepared Hero’s personal safety tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. Stay prepared, hero!