Are there any legal self-defence products that I can buy? (2024)

The only fully legal self-defence product at the moment is a rape alarm. These are not expensive and can be bought from most local police stations or supermarkets.

There are other self-defence products that claim to be legal (e.g. non toxic sprays), however, until a test case is brought before the court, we cannot confirm their legality or endorse them. If you purchase one you must be aware that if you are stopped by the police and have it in your possession there is always a possibility that you will be arrested and detained until the product, its contents and legality can be verified.

However, accepting there is a lot of concern about street crime, we can try to clarify matters a little by putting forward the following points.

  • You must not get a product that is made or adapted to cause a person injury. Possession of such a product in public (and in private in specific circ*mstances) is against the law.
  • There are products that squirt a relatively safe, brightly coloured dye (as opposed to a pepper spray). A properly designed product of this nature, used in the way it is intended, should not be able to cause an injury. However, if an injury does occur, this may be assault.
  • Any products bought from abroad have a greater chance of being illegal.

The above advice is given in good faith, you must make your own decision and this website cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the possession, use or misuse of any self-defence product. See Q85for information on the use of reasonable force.

Are there any legal self-defence products that I can buy? (2)

Answers in this FAQ section are provided by the 'Ask the Police' website. Produced by the Police National Legal Database (PNLD) team, 'Ask the Police' is an official police site approved by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). All FAQ answers are © PNLD.

Are there any legal self-defence products that I can buy? (2024)

FAQs

Are there any legal self-defence products that I can buy? ›

Pepper spray and stun guns can be used by older teens from 18 and up, another option is the use of tactical pen which serve as hidden defense gadgets that look like regular pens. Knowing how to use these legal self - defense weapons properly gives minors confidence and safety in tricky situations.

What is the best thing to carry for self-defense? ›

If you're looking for something easy to carry with you daily, a keychain weapon or flashlight stun gun may be the best option. For something a little more heavy-duty, an expandable baton, hidden knife keychain, or multi-tool may be a better choice.

What is legal spray for self-defense? ›

Pepper Spray: Pepper spray is allowed in California for self-defense purposes, provided the canister size does not exceed 2.5 ounces of active product. Stun Guns and Tasers: Stun guns and tasers are legal in California, but there are restrictions.

What is the legal self-defense weapon? ›

The only fully legal self-defence product at the moment is a rape alarm. These are not expensive and can be bought from most local police stations or supermarkets.

What weapon can I use to protect myself? ›

The best self-defense weapon is the one that you are most comfortable with and that you use properly. Some common self-defense weapons include pepper spray, expandable batons, pocket knives, stun guns, and tasers.

What can you carry on you to protect yourself? ›

Personal safety device reviews
  • VIPERTEK Stun Gun: Best self-defense weapon. Best self-defense weapon. ...
  • Sabre Red Pepper Gel: Best pepper spray. Best pepper spray. ...
  • The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen: Best kubotan. Best Kubotan. ...
  • She's Birdie: Best personal security alarm. Best personal alarm. ...
  • Stinger: Best for escaping from cars.

What is the most effective non-lethal self-defense weapon? ›

Stun Gun

Stun guns are also highly effective as non-lethal self-defense weapons. They are easy to carry, quick to deploy, and can deliver a powerful and painful shock. It's also very easy to understand how to use a stun gun for self-defense.

What spray can I use for self-defense? ›

FARB-GEL Self-Defence Spray and Criminal Identifier. (5 UNIT Family Pack).

What is an alternative to self-defense spray? ›

Like pepper spray, pepper gel products can be carried easily and discreetly to protect from attackers. Pepper gel only affects what it directly comes into contact with, making it much safer for you and those around you.

What states is pepper spray illegal? ›

While pepper spray is legal in all 50 states to carry and use for personal protection, some states and localities have specific regulations and restrictions.

What self-defense weapons are legal in all 50 states? ›

Legal in all 50 states: Pepper spray is generally legal for self-defense in all 50 states. Restrictions in a few states: Some states may require individuals to obtain a permit to carry pepper spray, and a few may have restrictions on the maximum volume allowed or the concentration of the active ingredient.

Are stabby cat keychains illegal? ›

Cat ear keychains are illegal in 21 states including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.

Is self Defence legal in the US? ›

The common law principle of “castle doctrine” says that individuals have the right to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves against an intruder in their home. This principle has been codified and expanded by state legislatures.

What can you buy to protect yourself? ›

Tips and Devices to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself
  • SABRE RED Compact Pepper Spray.
  • SABRE's Priority: Education on How to Defend Yourself.
  • It's Not Enough to Be Aware of Your Personal Surroundings.
  • The Best Self-Defense Weapon? ...
  • Pepper Spray.
  • SABRE Pepper Spray Keychain.
  • Pepper Gel.

What is the best self-defense weapon for a woman? ›

Self-Defense Weapons
  • Kubaton. ...
  • Expandable Batons. ...
  • Pepper Spray. ...
  • Taser. ...
  • Personal Alarms. ...
  • Tactical Pens. ...
  • Self-Defense Classes. Learning self-defense techniques can be empowering and effective. ...
  • Empowerment Training. External skills only take us so far.
Jan 16, 2024

What is the most effective self-defense tool? ›

Pepper Spray: Pepper spray is one of the most popular self-defense tools and for a good reason. It is affordable, easy to carry, and very effective. Pepper spray can incapacitate an attacker by causing temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and extreme pain.

What is the most effective way to defend yourself? ›

  1. 10 Self-Defense Strategies Everyone Needs to Know.
  2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Too many women enroll in a self-defense class after they've been assaulted. ...
  3. PRACTICE TARGET DENIAL. ...
  4. PRESENT YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE. ...
  5. SET STRONG VERBAL BOUNDARIES. ...
  6. MAINTAIN A NON-CONFRONTATIONAL STANCE. ...
  7. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. ...
  8. USE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE.

What is the strongest form of self-defense? ›

Krav Maga is considered to be the deadliest martial art for self-defense due to its comprehensive approach. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do and other styles are among the top 10 deadliest martial arts in the world.

What are the best everyday objects for self-defense? ›

Everyday items like pens, keys, or even magazines can be transformed into effective self-defense tools. The trick is to look at objects not for what they are, but for what they can do. For instance, a pen can be a stabbing tool and a heavy book can serve as a blunt object.

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