An accessible, useful, non-lethal method of self-defense is pepper spray, and the U.S. states have different laws when it comes to purchasing and using it.
Carrying pepper spray is legal in the state of New York, but it can only be purchased in a specific place and its label must include instructions for use.
The law only permits pocket-sized canisters, despite the fact that civilian use of pepper spray is permitted in New York City. According to state law, pepper spray can only be used by civilians in self-defense; otherwise, they risk facing legal repercussions.
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What Is Pepper Spray
Oleoresin capsicum (OC), which is the oil extracted from the placenta close to a pepper’s stem, is the active component in pepper spray. The amount of OC in a pepper spray simply indicates how much red pepper is in it; it does not indicate how potent the spray will be.
Five main capsaicinoids make peppers hot and pungent, and is oleoresin capsicum made up of these capsaicinoids. The strength of any particular pepper spray is determined by the percentage of total capsaicinoids, not the OC percentage.
Both pepper sprays used by law enforcement and by the general public typically contain between 0.18% and 1.33% Major Capsaicinoids. The rate for bear repellents ranges from 1.0% to 2.0%.
The Effects Of Pepper Spray
The immediate effects of pepper spray on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Your eyes will be forced shut, you’ll experience excruciating pain, and you might even go temporarily blind. The affected person will shed a lot of tears and mucus, and their nerve endings and larynx will spasm, making it difficult for them to speak.
How To Use Pepper Spray
To ward off dangerous predators like wolves, mountain lions, and bears, pepper spray was first developed.
Some groups of people continue to call it “bear spray.” That provides you with a sense of its degree of effectiveness.
Both law enforcement and civilians now use pepper spray for self-defense and to control riots and crowds. Here’s how to use yours:
- Check the instructions on the pepper spray canister first, then carefully read them. Keep in mind that different brands may have different instructions. For instance, some brands’ contents can be sprayed from a distance of 12 feet, while others only reach 6 feet. The typical range, though, is only about 10 feet.
- You should spray the canister to test it after reading the instructions. You will have a sense of how it operates beforehand thanks to this. You would need to react as quickly as possible wherever you might need to use your pepper spray. The worst time to discover your canister is defective would be then.
- To spray, hold the can vertically.
- Disable any safety features on the can before attempting to spray.
- Holding the can firmly in your palm, spray the pepper spray by using your thumb to do so.
- When using pepper spray, make sure to aim for the attacker’s face and maintain your composure if they approach you.
- Move away from the area as soon as you are sure your attacker is defeated. If you stay in the vicinity for long, you might start to feel the side effects of the pepper spray (Plus, you should be trying to get away from your attacker)
Benefits Of Pepper Spray
- Cost-effective and simple to use, pepper spray.
- They can be used on more than one attacker at a time
- You need not be concerned about killing anyone because they are nonlethal.
- Even if you experience side effects, they will disappear in a day because pepper spray side effects are not long-lasting.
- To use your pepper spray, you don’t need to be in close proximity to the attacker.
Pepper Spray Laws In New York City
There are some limitations, but it is legal to possess and use pepper spray in New York City. These include:
- To use pepper spray, you must be older than 18 years old.
- Use of pepper spray is prohibited for those with a criminal history.
- You are only allowed to carry a pepper spray can that is about the size of a typical pocket.
- You can only buy two cans of pepper spray at a time.
- Only authorized druggists or arms dealers are allowed to sell pepper spray.
- Before purchasing pepper spray, you must sign a document stating that you are of legal age and have no criminal history.
- Pepper spray (for humans) cannot be shipped to any address in New York City. This means that you shouldn’t order pepper spray online.
- It is acceptable to mail animal pepper spray to a New York City address.
- Using animal pepper spray on people is against the law.
- Pepper spray is not permitted for civilians to carry on board commercial aircraft. This is due to the possibility of the pepper spray can exploding in a small area, particularly one as delicate as a commercial flight. Chaos is the absolute last thing anyone wants on one of those.
- A $25,000 fine is imposed if you are found in possession of pepper spray on a commercial flight.
- It is unlawful and punishable with the same penalties above to carry pepper spray into state and government buildings.
Pepper Spray Laws For Manufacturers
Manufacturers are required by law to:
- On the pepper spray canisters, print instructions for use.
- Include details about how to store the canisters safely and correctly.
- If it appears that the victim’s life is in danger, include instructions on how to give first aid to them.
- On the canister, write down a toll-free number where people can receive self-defense instruction.
- Make it abundantly clear that using pepper spray for purposes other than self-defense is illegal in New York.
Where To Buy Pepper Spray In New York City
You cannot purchase pepper spray (for use on humans) online due to New York State regulations. You now have two choices.
- A friend, yourself, or if you frequently travel back and forth can bring your pepper spray in from another state. Keep in mind that carrying pepper spray on commercial aircraft is not permitted if you choose to take this route. You should continue to travel by car and bus, in my opinion.
- In a shop in New York, you can purchase pepper spray. Remember that you can only purchase from licensed arms dealers or pharmacists if you choose this route. As proof that you are over 18 and have not been convicted of a crime, you must also sign a form.
What Other Self-defense Weapons Are Legal In New York?
The laws governing other self-defense tools in New York state are described below.
Guns
Although carrying a gun openly is not strictly prohibited in New York, permits are only given for concealed carry. It is forbidden to carry any kind of firearm without a permit. Other than that, it is legal to own a gun in New York and New York City. To avoid any potential legal issues, it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer before trying to purchase a firearm.
Knives
Openly carrying knives in public is prohibited in New York. The law is very strict about this; carrying a knife in public is considered when even a small portion of it is visible. Even if the knife’s actual blade is hidden, doing this is against the law. Only those who are allowed to use a knife for work, such as military personnel or ambulance drivers who are on duty, are exempt from this law.
Tactical Pen
A more recent substitute for firearms is tactical pens. They may have pressurized cartridges and the appearance of a working pen, but they also have a ballpoint that is much sharper than a regular pen, a blunt end for shattering glass or other barriers, and a steel or aircraft-grade aluminum body that gives the pen extra weight and can be used to fight off attackers. Other features, such as lights or lasers, are also included in some. Compared to knives or guns, they are much easier to conceal due to their small size.
Not just in New York, but across the country, tactical pens are entirely legal.
Tasers
Tasers are legal to carry for both law enforcement officers and regular citizens. It’s important to be aware of the various kinds of tasers. Make sure to purchase a taser made for civilian use if you’re a civilian looking to purchase one. This type of taser can deliver a shock for approximately 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Pepper Spray Canister Last?
Pepper spray eventually loses its pressure, just like all aerosol sprays do. About two years after the date of manufacture, this typically occurs.
Can I Re-use A Pepper Spray Canister?
If pepper spray is required during a confrontation, it is advised that you switch out the canister for a new one. It’s best to always have everything you need because you never know when you might be facing off against several attackers.
