Pepper Spray Laws in California

The rules on pepper spray in California: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Adults in California may carry pepper spray (legally a "tear gas" weapon) in an aerosol spray, but people who are not licensed security professionals may not buy, possess or use a tear gas weapon that fires a projectile, that releases the gas by any method other than an aerosol spray, or… Cal. Penal Code §§ 17240, 17250, 22810, 22835 (as summarized by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

Pepper spray	Adults in California may carry pepper spray (legally a "tear gas" weapon) in an aerosol spray, but people who are not licensed security professionals may not buy, possess or use a tear gas weapon that fires a projectile, that releases the gas by any method other than an aerosol spray, or that holds more than 2.5 ounces net weight of aerosol spray. Licensed private investigators, private patrol operators and their security guards may carry other tear gas weapons for defensive purposes after completing required training. From the state Bureau of Security and Investigative Services notice 'Clarification regarding tear gas and other deadly weapons' (2024); the Penal Code text itself was not read. Source: Cal. Penal Code §§ 17240, 17250, 22810, 22835 (as summarized by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

Pepper spray

Adults in California may carry pepper spray (legally a "tear gas" weapon) in an aerosol spray, but people who are not licensed security professionals may not buy, possess or use a tear gas weapon that fires a projectile, that releases the gas by any method other than an aerosol spray, or that holds more than 2.5 ounces net weight of aerosol spray. Licensed private investigators, private patrol operators and their security guards may carry other tear gas weapons for defensive purposes after completing required training.

From the state Bureau of Security and Investigative Services notice 'Clarification regarding tear gas and other deadly weapons' (2024); the Penal Code text itself was not read.

Source: Cal. Penal Code §§ 17240, 17250, 22810, 22835 (as summarized by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)

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FAQ

Is pepper spray legal in California?

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.