Pepper Spray Laws in Maine

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

Short answer: Spraying someone with chemical mace or a similar disabling spray is a crime called criminal use of disabling chemicals, a Class D crime (up to less than one year in jail), unless it is used in self-defense, defense of others, defense of premises or to protect property as allowed for… 17-A M.R.S. §1002; 25 M.R.S. §2001-A(2)(B); 17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(D)

Pepper spray	Spraying someone with chemical mace or a similar disabling spray is a crime called criminal use of disabling chemicals, a Class D crime (up to less than one year in jail), unless it is used in self-defense, defense of others, defense of premises or to protect property as allowed for nondeadly force. Maine's concealed-weapon law expressly does not apply to disabling chemicals described in that section, so carrying them concealed is not a concealed-weapon offense. Source: 17-A M.R.S. §1002; 25 M.R.S. §2001-A(2)(B); 17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(D)

Pepper spray

Spraying someone with chemical mace or a similar disabling spray is a crime called criminal use of disabling chemicals, a Class D crime (up to less than one year in jail), unless it is used in self-defense, defense of others, defense of premises or to protect property as allowed for nondeadly force. Maine's concealed-weapon law expressly does not apply to disabling chemicals described in that section, so carrying them concealed is not a concealed-weapon offense.

Source: 17-A M.R.S. §1002; 25 M.R.S. §2001-A(2)(B); 17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(D)

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FAQ

Is pepper spray legal in Maine?

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.