Pepper Spray Laws in South Carolina

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

Short answer: South Carolina's weapons chapter does not mention pepper spray by name, but it does cover tear gas. Only authorized law enforcement officers may generally possess, use, transport, sell or buy tear-gas guns, cartridges, shells or containers, except that anyone may do so for self-defense… S.C. Code § 16-23-470

Pepper spray	South Carolina's weapons chapter does not mention pepper spray by name, but it does cover tear gas. Only authorized law enforcement officers may generally possess, use, transport, sell or buy tear-gas guns, cartridges, shells or containers, except that anyone may do so for self-defense purposes only, as long as the tear-gas cartridge, shell or container holds no more than fifty cubic centimeters. Violating the tear-gas law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Source: S.C. Code § 16-23-470

Pepper spray

South Carolina's weapons chapter does not mention pepper spray by name, but it does cover tear gas. Only authorized law enforcement officers may generally possess, use, transport, sell or buy tear-gas guns, cartridges, shells or containers, except that anyone may do so for self-defense purposes only, as long as the tear-gas cartridge, shell or container holds no more than fifty cubic centimeters. Violating the tear-gas law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Source: S.C. Code § 16-23-470

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FAQ

Is pepper spray legal in South Carolina?

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.