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Pepper spray serves as a practical tool for personal defense, but New York law imposes specific restrictions on its possession and use. If you’re considering carrying pepper spray, you need a clear understanding of what the law permits and prohibits. Who can legally carry pepper spray? New York allows individuals aged 18 and older to carry pepper spray, provided they have no felony or assault convictions. Purchases must occur within the state through licensed retailers, and buyers must complete a form at the point of sale. Additionally, the spray canister must include a visible label outlining safety precautions and usage instructions. When can you use pepper spray legally? You may only use pepper spray in New York when defending yourself from an imminent physical threat. The law strictly forbids its use for threats, coercion, or verbal disputes. Deploying pepper spray outside of a genuine self-defense situation can result in criminal penalties. It should be used only as a defensive measure when other options aren’t available. What types of pepper spray are allowed? The state restricts both the potency and classification of pepper spray permitted for civilian use. Only non-lethal sprays approved for personal defense are lawful. Sprays intended for use on animals or those manufactured for military or law enforcement purposes are not allowed. Additionally, purchasing pepper spray online from out-of-state vendors is illegal under New York law. Complying with New York’s regulations ensures that you stay within legal boundaries while enhancing your personal safety. Carry pepper spray only if you qualify under the law, and use it solely in situations where your safety is at immediate risk. Awareness of the law reduces the chance of legal consequences and helps you make responsible decisions.

For years now, law enforcement in New York has had authority to arrest law-abiding citizens for carrying common knives used for work. With the wording of the current weapons law, almost any folding knife could be considered a gravity knife. As gravity knives are illegal, those accused of possessing one could face criminal weapons charges. The New York Assembly understands that the law, as written and currently enforced, is unjust and leading to the arrest of otherwise excellent, hardworking citizens. For four years in a row, lawmakers have passed bills that would amend the definition of gravity knives and help protect those in trades that require the use of blades, like construction. Unfortunately, all previous attempts have gotten blocked, most recently by a gubernatorial veto. What is a gravity knife? Under the current New York law, a gravity knife is any folding blade that opens through the force of gravity. Currently, these blades get tested with a “wrist flick” when found by law enforcement. The issue is that many standard folding knives that are not truly gravity knives can get opened with a strong grip and forceful wrist flick. Many professionals carry blades that could fall under the definition of gravity knives for opening boxes, scoring drywall, cutting paper or cardboard, and many other normal uses. Possessing or carrying these knives is illegal, even if you’re carrying them for work. As many as 4,000 people each year get arrested and prosecuted under the gravity knives law. Clearly, reform is needed. Workers shouldn’t face weapons charges There are a range of professionals who need to use blades and knives as part of their every day work. These individuals should not be subject to arrest and prosecution merely for carrying the tools of their trade in their pockets or on their person. Many blades that overzealous law enforcement and prosecutors claim are gravity knives are simple utility knives, openly sold at home repair, hardware and sporting goods stores around the state. If the knives are legal to buy and sell, they should also be legal to possess. Reforming the law to be more specific Lawmakers are trying to remove a reference to centrifugal force in the definition of gravity knives. The inclusion of that term is what permits law enforcement to use a wrist flick to open the knives. The proposed amendment would also add the word “solely” to the section describing how the knife gets opened by gravity. If manual effort is needed to open the blade, it would no longer fall under the state definition of gravity knives. This reform could prevent a number of professionals from unnecessary arrest and prosecution in New York. In the meantime, those who carry knives for work could still be at risk.