Skip to main content

OC spray, or “pepper spray,” is a common non-lethal defensive tool. However, not every defensive implement is legal to keep in your car. So, can you keep OC spray in your car without breaking the law? Or are you out of luck when it comes to having pepper spray with you when a police officer pulls you over?

OC spray, or oleoresin capsicum spray, is a chili pepper-based non-lethal compound that users can deploy to stop an attacker without causing grievous bodily injury. As such, “pepper spray” is a popular item for drivers to keep in their cars. Fortunately, most states recognize the defensive sprays’ usefulness and allow drivers to keep in their vehicles.

However, some states limit how large your OC spray canister can be. For instance, New York and New Jersey limit your canister to 0.75 ounces. However, Illinois allows all but minors to possess pepper spray without size limitations. 

Still, owners living in hot or freezing climates might want to carry their pepper spray into their homes rather than leave it in their vehicles. For instance, SABRE recommends storing the brand’s pepper spray above 32 degrees and below 120 degrees. Consequently, your car could reach over 130 degrees in 90-degree ambient heat. Leaving your spray in that environment could lead to leakage. 

However, having pepper spray in your car isn’t an invitation to use it. Like a legally concealed firearm or another tool, using Mace or another pepper spray tool could land you in trouble with the police. After all, pepper spraying a person is a use of force, and you’re (likely) not a public safety professional. Also, keep in mind that OC spray is messy. Should you discharge it, you may hit yourself or others.

Still, you may not end up in handcuffs in the same way that you would in a justifiable shooting. OC spray is a debilitating, non-lethal defensive implement. Using it is extremely unlikely to cause any lasting injury to the person you’re spraying. However, using it on someone with a cardiac condition or a similar ailment could lead to potentially life-threatening complications like an infarction.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).