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Pepper Spray Laws

Is Pepper Spray Legal In ILLINOIS?

Pepper spray in IL is Legal with Restrictions.

Legal with Restrictions Illinois law makes it unlawful to carry a tear gas gun, projector, bomb, or object containing noxious liquid gas or substance, except for "an object containing a non-lethal noxious liquid gas or substance designed solely for personal defense" carried by a person 18 years of age or older. 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(3). Age minimum: the personal-defense exemption applies only to a person 18 years of age or older. Possession/carry by someone under 18 is not exempted. Size/concentration limit: the statute does not specify an ounce, cc, or percentage-OC limit, only that the device must be designed solely for personal defense. Carry restrictions: no additional carry restrictions specific to pepper spray were found within 720 ILCS 5/24-1 itself; general prohibited-persons/prohibited-places weapons statutes elsewhere in Illinois law may still apply. Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(3), Illinois Compiled Statutes, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1 This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with Illinois authorities or your own counsel before purchasing or carrying.

Legal Information Last Verified: 2026-08-27