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When it comes to personal protection tools like stun guns, pepper spray, and knives, it’s absolutely vital to understand the legal landscape. The very best way to ensure you’re on solid ground regarding the legality of any of these tools is to sit down with your attorney—if you have one you trust. If not, reaching out to your local police department via their non-emergency line can provide clarity. Ask to speak with a supervisor; they’re usually more than willing to help you navigate these concerns.

Of course, the use of any weapon in the commission of a crime is a bad thing and would be punishable by law in any jurisdiction. The personal protection products sold through Escape Unharmed are intended for adults (18 years and older) for self-defense use only. As you read the information on this page, please remember that we are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you have any questions regarding legality or restrictions pertaining to any personal protection tool, please contact a local attorney or check with a law enforcement source in your community before purchasing, transporting or carrying the device.  

Stun Gun Laws

First, it’s important to establish that stun guns aren’t toys, and they’re not for kids. Stun guns are meant to be very powerful personal protection tools for use by responsible adults (18 years and older). When used inappropriately, stun guns can get a user in some serious trouble. Some states and cities ban or restrict the use of stun guns, even for personal protection.

States Where Stun Guns Are Restricted:

• Illinois: You can only purchase a stun gun if you hold a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.
• Massachusetts: Stun guns are legal, but you must obtain a carry permit, and the device must be kept in a locked container accessible only to you.
• Michigan: After a crucial court ruling that deemed the state’s initial ban illegal, the law now mandates that you need a concealed pistol license for the possession and use of stun guns and Tasers.
• Wisconsin: This state has specific conditions under its Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) laws. Essentially, electric weapons can be possessed if you have either a Wisconsin CCW license or an out-of-state equivalent. You may also have a stun gun in your home or business and transport it in a closed carrying case. However, the catch is that you cannot purchase one without the required licenses. There are also key stipulations to keep in mind. If you’re not specifically allowed to carry an electric weapon, you can only possess it in your dwelling or place of business or on land that you legally occupy. Transporting it is only permissible if it’s enclosed within a carrying case. Keep in mind, the law clearly prohibits the sale of electric weapons to individuals without a CCW license. Violations of these statutes can lead to felony charges.

Cities Where Stun Guns Are Restricted:

• Chicago, IL: Here, stun guns are outright illegal, even with a FOID card.

Planning to travel by air? In general, Stun Guns can be transported. But they need to be drained of energy and packed in checked baggage. For more details, visit the TSA’s website.

Countries Where Stun Guns Are Restricted: Several countries require particular permissions or prohibit the use of stun guns altogether. Notable restrictions include:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Hong Kong
• India (Police use only)
• Italy
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

As with state and local laws in the U.S. – laws vary from country to country. You don’t want to find yourself in a legal jam in some foreign country! The best way to go is to know the law before you travel anywhere outside the United States. Contact the U.S. Embassy in your destination country or countries for detailed information on any laws or restrictions which may apply.

Pepper Spray Laws

Now, let’s talk about pepper spray—a more widely accepted self-defense option. Here are some specifics you need to be aware of:

States Where Pepper Sprays Are Restricted:

• New York: Residents can only purchase defense sprays through licensed firearms dealers or licensed pharmacists.
• Massachusetts: While private citizens can legally carry pepper spray, it cannot be mailed to the state. Potential buyers must provide proof that they are 18 or older when purchasing. Notably, individuals aged 15 to 18 must present a valid firearm identification (FID) card.

States with Specific Restrictions:

• Michigan: Pepper sprays can have a maximum concentration of 10% oleoresin capsicum and are deemed legal for self-defense under certain circumstances. The maximum canister size is capped at 35 grams (about 1.2 oz).
• Wisconsin: Here, tear gas is not allowed. However, OC products with a maximum concentration of 10% oleoresin capsicum are permitted, weighing between 15-60 grams (approximately 0.5 oz to 2 oz). It’s crucial that the spray is not camouflaged, features a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge, maintains an effective range of no more than 20 feet, and is sold in sealed tamper-proof packaging. Additionally, packaging must indicate that sales to minors are prohibited, and the manufacturer’s contact information should be clearly displayed.

While pepper spray is legal for use by adults (18 years and older) in all 50 states, keep in mind that various cities have their own restrictions regarding size and strength. If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to check with your local city police, county sheriff or state attorney’s office. 

Striking Tool Restrictions

If you do general online research you’ll find that laws regarding striking tools very greatly from state to state. For instance, in 2019 Texas passes HB 449 which lifted the ban the on carrying brass knuckles, self-defense keychains, and clubs in public, expanding open carry rights beyond firearms. But many other states have outright ownership bans or heavy restrictions on the use of striking tools –

• California: Illegal to carry batons or brass knuckles; they are classified as prohibited weapons. 

• Connecticut: Illegal to carry a baton or brass knuckles in public; only permitted for law enforcement or security guards on duty. 

• Massachusetts: Legal to own at home, but illegal to carry outside, either openly or concealed. 

• New York: Illegal to carry brass knuckles or batons; they are considered dangerous weapons. 

The other thing to keep in mind is that the term “brass knuckles” shouldn’t be taken literally. The term may also include objects made of other hard materials (metals and plastics) which slip on over fingers and provide a hard, flat or pointy surface to increase the effectiveness of a punch. These types of striking tools are intended as personal protection tools to be used by responsible adults.

Knife Restrictions

Lastly, let’s cover knife laws, which can also differ dramatically based on your location. Again, knives are intended to be personal protection tools carried and used by responsible adults (age 18 and older). If you’re thinking about carrying a knife, it’s essential to do your research to ensure compliance. Specifically, automatic and butterfly knives face restrictions in many states:

States with Restrictions on Automatic Knives:

• California
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Washington

States with Restrictions on Butterfly Knives:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut

Some jurisdictions require waiting periods or notifications to law enforcement officials before weapons may be delivered to purchasers:

Chicago – application approval/denial for:

(1) Registration : 120 days

(2) Re-registration: e.g., by an heir, 365 days)