Can anybody tell me if pepper spray is legal to carry in the u.k please?

Answer 1

no it comes under the firearms act and the same section as automatic wepons.

Answer 2

Pepper spray is not legal in the UK or EU. It is an offense weapon and if you've ever seen it used by the police you'll understand why. I think it is worrying that you feel the need to carry pepper spray to protect yourself, i know the streets are more dangerous than in years gone by but maybe because more people are carrying weapons. If you stay to well lit areas, carry a personal alarm and keep alert then surely that's all the precautions you could need. Maybe you have a just cause to be so nervous but I live in central Birmingham and as a shift worker use public transport at all times of the day and night I have never encoutered a problem and I don't know anybody who has. I think perhaps today with such a media focus upon crime society has lost sight of the fact that these crimes are actually very rare. In response to the answer that feels sorry for us in the UK as we're not allowed to protect ourselves I'd just like to point out that although gun crime is a very serious issue in some parts of the UK we can happily say that our children are not shooting each other in schools. I could not rest comfortably in a society where people carry lethal weapons for protection, it is the responsibilty of every member of the public to safe guard public safety and I cannot see how being armed could achieve this goal.

Answer 3

Pepper Spray is illegal. There are some substitutes eg other sprays- if they have a legitimate use you can carry them.

The streets of the UK are threatening but not particularly dangerous. Look confident and like you know where you're going. Try not to walk about alone at night and ask where any notorious streets are so you can avoid them. Most incidents occur to people made vulnerable by alcohol.

I've walked home in Huddersfield and Coventry a distance of around two miles hundreds of times- and not had the slightest incident I couldn't avoid by just walking faster (I weigh 146lbs- not big).

Answer 4

I am pretty sure it is illegal.

But if walking anywhere that I feel threatened, I normally carry a SMALL (Handbag size) can of hair lacquer, or perfume spray, both can sting like crazy if sprayed into eyes. And my key, the keys making a nice spiteful knuckle duster.
Nothing illegal about them, and if I do have to fight an attacker off and happen to hurt them, hey I will worry about that then. NOT.

Answer 5

No, it is classified as an offensive weapon. If you are caught out and about with one in your possession, there is no defence available to you, as a pepper spray has no legitimate purpose and there is therefore no possibility of explaining it away. Being charged, attending court and paying the fine and costs could be expensive in terms of time and money, as well as giving you a criminal record. Don't risk it.

Answer 6

Sadly its not legal even though the way things are I think it should be. If you use it and get caught it comes under the firearms act and you could get 4 years in prison. Having said that I cant see why you cant disceetly carry one and if you ever have to use it say the attacker whoever pulled it on you, you grabbed it and used it in defence !!!

Answer 7

in pennsylvania usa,i have a gun permit to carry any where i go,i feel sorry for you in the uk that you cant protect youself,aint nothing like a 9mm when someone says im gonna beat you to a pulp,they run like a athlete

Answer 8

No its illegal. Its pretty stupid that it is illegal, you could spray somone with something thats legal (wasp killer spray) but harmful and that would be ok as long as you didnt have it on you for that reason.

Answer 9

Yes I believe it is. Although I carry a birck in my handbag - its more effective!

Answer 10

Nope, it's illegal. I had one taken off me at the airport!
Try a attack alarm... although I don't think they're very effective...