Pepper spray

Pepper spray is an aerosol containing the pure essential oil of pepper, for use in self defense against an aggressor, be it human or animal.

Nobody wants to think too much about negative aspects of hitch hiking, but if the unthinkable happens, and you find yourself in a dangerous situation. you might be grateful to be in possession of some Pepper Spray. In some countries it is entirely legal (Germany, for example, as in the south you may encounter bears.), in other countries it is illegal to carry in public.

Pepper Gel aerosols are also available, which emit a high pressure stream of gel instead of a spray mist, which means that if you need to deploy in an enclosed space, or in the wind, you will not be affected by the substance yourself.

Legal Issues

France

In France, it is legal for anyone over the age of 18 to buy a Pepper Spray in an armoury or military surplus store. It is classified as a Category 6 Weapon in French law. If the container is of more than 100ml, it is classed as an offensive weapon, and possession in a public place can be punished by confiscation and a fine. However, if it contains less than 100ml, while still a Category 6 Weapon, it is not classed as a punishable offence for the purposes of the Weapons law, so if you are controlled, it will be confiscated with maybe a verbal warning given.

Netherlands

There are penalties for possession of an offensive weapon in the Netherlands.

United Kingdom

There are heavy penalties for possession of an offensive weapon in the United Kingdom.