Pepper Spray Laws
Is Pepper Spray Legal In OREGON?
Pepper spray in OR is Legal with Restrictions.
Legal with Restrictions Oregon has no statute setting a minimum age or size/concentration limit specifically for civilian purchase or possession of pepper spray (OC spray). ORS Chapter 166 does not impose an age floor or volume cap on OC/pepper spray for personal self-defense use by the general public. Age minimum: No Oregon statute specifically sets a minimum purchase or possession age for pepper spray/OC spray. Size/concentration limit: No Oregon statute specifically sets a size or OC-concentration cap for civilian pepper spray. Carry restrictions: ORS 166.360 (definitions for ORS 166.360 to 166.380) defines "weapon" to include "mace, tear gas, pepper mace or any similar deleterious agent." ORS 166.370 makes it a Class C felony to intentionally possess a firearm "or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon" in or on a public building or court facility (with exceptions for law enforcement, military, and persons authorized by the controlling agency). Because pepper spray is treated as a "weapon" for purposes of ORS 166.360-166.380 and public buildings/court facilities carry their own possession restrictions, carrying OC spray into a courthouse, school, or other public building covered by ORS 166.370 (or local building policy) can create legal exposure and should be avoided absent express authorization from the controlling agency. Primary source: Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 166.360 and ORS 166.370, https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.360 This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with Oregon authorities or your own counsel before purchasing or carrying.