Pepper Spray Laws
Is Pepper Spray Legal In MISSOURI?
Pepper spray in MO is Legal.
Legal Missouri law does not prohibit civilians from purchasing, possessing, or carrying pepper spray (OC spray) for self-defense. Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 571.010(10) defines "gas gun" (a category regulated under the state's weapons offenses chapter) as a device designed to eject poison gas causing death or serious injury, but the definition expressly excludes "any device that ejects a repellant or temporary incapacitating substance" — excluding pepper spray/OC devices from that weapons definition. As a result, Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 571.030 (Unlawful Use of Weapons), which criminalizes carrying gas guns and other weapons in certain places, does not apply to OC spray. Verified against the official Missouri Revisor of Statutes text at https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=571.010 and https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=571.030. Age minimum: No Missouri statute specifically sets an age minimum for purchase or possession of pepper spray/OC spray by civilians. Size/concentration limit: No Missouri statute specifically limits the size, volume, or OC concentration of civilian pepper spray products. Carry restrictions: No Missouri statute specifically restricts carrying pepper spray in schools, courthouses, or government buildings, or bars possession by convicted felons, because Section 571.030's restrictions apply to firearms and "weapons readily capable of lethal use," a category that excludes devices ejecting only a temporary incapacitating substance per Section 571.010(10). A facility's own weapons policy, or federal-property rules, could still restrict carry in a specific location. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with Missouri authorities or your own counsel before purchasing or carrying.