Yes, pepper spray is legal in Wyoming for self-defense, provided it meets state and federal guidelines. Wyoming Statutes § 6-8-104 prohibits carrying weapons with intent to harm, but pepper spray is exempt when used reasonably for personal protection. The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office has not issued recent restrictions, though federal regulations under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ban carry-on pepper spray in commercial flights. Retailers must ensure products contain no more than 2% oleoresin capsicum (OC) and are labeled for self-defense.
Key Regulations for Pepper Spray in Wyoming
- OC Concentration Limit: Products must contain ≤2% oleoresin capsicum (OC) to comply with Wyoming’s non-lethal weapon statutes.
- Sales Restrictions: Retailers must verify buyer age (18+) and provide safety instructions per Wyoming’s consumer protection laws.
- Use Prohibitions: Carrying pepper spray with intent to commit a crime (e.g., assault) violates Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104, even if the canister is legal.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Cheyenne Police Department, enforce these rules under municipal ordinances aligning with state statutes. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation monitors compliance for non-lethal devices. Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules further restrict carry-on pepper spray in luggage. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges or federal penalties if transported improperly.