Is Pepper Spray Legal In ARKANSAS?

Pepper spray in AR is Legal.

Legal with Restrictions Arkansas law permits civilians to possess, carry, and use tear gas or pepper spray for self-defense. Ark. Code Ann. Section 5-73-124 states: "It is lawful for a person to possess or carry, and use, a container of tear gas or pepper spray to be used for self-defense purposes only." Unauthorized possession/use outside this exception (and outside the law-enforcement and banking-institution exceptions in the statute) is a Class A misdemeanor. Age minimum: The statute text located does not set a distinct minimum age to purchase or possess pepper spray specifically. Size/concentration limit: The container capacity may not exceed three hundred milliliters (300 ml). This is an increase from the previously-cited 150 cc (approximately 150 ml) limit — the capacity was amended from 150cc to 300ml by 2021 Arkansas Act 566 (HB1597). Carry restrictions: The statute prohibits use of tear gas/pepper spray against a law enforcement officer performing official duties; no general prohibited-place rules (schools, courthouses, government buildings) are specified in this section. Statute: Ark. Code Ann. Section 5-73-124 (Tear Gas — Pepper Spray). Primary source: 2021 Arkansas Act 566 (HB1597) amending the capacity limit, https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2F&file=566.pdf&ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021R ; current codified text corroborated via Justia, https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2024/title-5/subtitle-6/chapter-73/subchapter-1/section-5-73-124/ This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with Arkansas authorities or your own counsel before purchasing or carrying.