With a 10% increase in violent crimes, 15% increase in rape and sexual assault cases, 10% increase in human trafficking in Illinois alone, it pays to be proactive in staying safe while following the law at the same time. Illinois allows you to use deadly force if someone is trying to commit a serious crime like breaking into cars.
Our blog will guide you through which weapons are okay to have and how to carry them right. We'll talk about pepper sprays, stun guns, and knives that fit in your pocket. Get ready for clear tips on keeping yourself safe, legally.
Keep reading for all you need to know!
Key Takeaways
- In Illinois, you need a FOID card to buy Tasers and stun guns. You can carry concealed guns if you have the right permit.
- Pepper spray is legal for self-defense, but there are rules about using it. Stun guns and Tasers have strict guidelines too.
- Switchblades are okay if you're over 21 and have a FOID card, but local laws might be stricter.
- Weapons like batons, brass knuckles, and throwing stars are not allowed in Illinois.
- Minors can use personal alarms or tactical pens for safety. They need to be 18 or older for pepper spray and Tasers.
Understanding Illinois Self-Defense Legislation
In Illinois, knowing the self-defense laws is key if you plan to protect yourself. You must have a FOID card to own guns, and there are special rules for hiding a gun on your body.
The state doesn't follow "Stand Your Ground" laws, meaning you can't fight back in every situation where you feel threatened.
FOID Card Essentials
To buy Tasers and stun guns in Illinois, you need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card. This rule makes Illinois special because it's the first state to ask its residents for a gun license for these tools.
Getting this card means you have passed background checks. It shows the police you can safely own these items.
People who are 21 and older with a FOID card can also have switchblades. But, this depends on where they live since some places have stricter rules. If someone has a gun but no FOID card, that's very bad.
They could go to jail for up to one year or pay fines as high as $2,500.
Rules for Concealed Carry
After learning about FOID Card essentials, it's key to know the rules for hiding a weapon. Since July 9, 2013, Illinois has let people carry hidden guns with the right permit. Adults over 21 can apply if they have a valid Firearm Owner’s ID.
These concealed carry licenses last five years and then need renewal. While having this license, you must always carry it if you're carrying your weapon hidden.
There are places where you can't bring your hidden gun - like schools and government buildings. If someone breaks these rules, they could face fines or even criminal charges. It's crucial to follow all laws and know where concealed weapons are not allowed to avoid trouble.
Explanation of Non-"Stand Your Ground" Law in Illinois
Illinois follows the "castle doctrine" instead of "stand your ground." This means you can protect yourself in your home without needing to run away first. You can use deadly force if you face a real, immediate threat or serious crime.
The law says force is okay to keep someone from unlawfully getting into where you live.
Knowing about self-defense rules helps pick the right tools for safety. Let's look at what non-lethal weapons Illinois allows.
Approved Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools in Illinois
In Illinois, people can use certain safe self-defense items to protect themselves. These include pepper sprays for keeping attackers away and electric shock devices to stun an aggressor without causing lasting harm.
Use of Pepper Spray and Pepper Guns
Pepper spray is legal to purchase/carry/use for self-defense in Illinois if you are at least 18 years old as authorized by Section 720 ILCS 5/24-1. A Chicago Municipal Ordinance prohibits the use pepper spray in an enclosed space with at least 20 people as defined in Chapter 13-56, including restaurants, bars or taverns. This is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of $500 or 30 days imprisonment or both.
Next up, we'll talk about the legal status of stun guns and Tasers.
Legal Status of Stun Guns and Tasers
Moving from the topic of pepper spray and guns, we now look at stun guns and Tasers. In Illinois, lawmakers have specific rules for these devices. Since January 1, 2006, there's been a clear stand on their usage.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 1962 back in June 2005 to regulate them.
Stun guns and Tasers are not toys. They can be very powerful. A Taser can shoot two barbed darts up to 15 feet away with a shock of 50,000 volts. Stun guns need to touch someone to work but still pack a punch with an electric current.
Before you can take one home, there is a waiting time of 24 hours. Also, you cannot hide them on your person or in your car when out and about in Illinois.
Regulations for Pocket Knives and Other Personal Blades
Switching from stun guns to pocket knives, Illinois has its own rules. You can have switchblades if you are 21 or older and have a FOID card. Yet, some places in Illinois might say no to these blades.
If you break the knife laws, you could face significant penalties like potentially spending up to a year in jail or paying $2,500 as fine.
You're okay to carry butterfly knives around provided they don't end up on government land and they're shorter than 3 inches. Pocket knives are quite acceptable in most circumstances.
It's worth considering that cities like Chicago enforce strict rules about the length of your knife. So, always cross-check local laws before taking one around town.
Restrictions on Specific Self-Defense Instruments
In Illinois, some self-defense tools you might think are okay are actually not allowed. This includes metal fist covers, batons, and throwing stars. If you want to keep safe while following the rules, it's best to learn more about what's legal and what's not.
List of Prohibited Weapons: Batons, Brass Knuckles, Thrown Blades
Illinois has strict rules about self-defense weapons. Some items you can't carry at all. Here's a list of those:
- Batons - You can't have these in Illinois. People use them to hit others, but the law says no.
- Brass Knuckles - Also a no-go. They fit over your fingers and make punches hurt more.
- Thrown Blades - Things like ninja stars are banned. You throw them, and they can cut or stick in things.
- Bludgeons - Any club-like item meant to hit hard is not allowed.
- Black-jacks - These are small, lead-filled leather clubs. They're illegal too.
- Slung-shots - Similar to a flail, these are also on the no list.
- Sand-clubs and sand-bags - If it's a bag or club filled with sand to hit someone, it's banned.
- Metal knuckles of any composition - Not just brass, but all types of metal knuckles are prohibited.
- Throwing Stars - Also known as shuriken, these sharp throwing objects are illegal.
Each of these items is considered too dangerous for the public to carry around for self-defense in Illinois.
Local Bans on BB/Pellet/Paint Guns
Local towns in Illinois have rules about air guns. This means BB guns, pellet guns, and paintball guns have specific bans.
- Towns can make their own rules about these air guns.
- You cannot shoot them in public places.
- Safe target ranges are exceptions where you can use them.
- Breaking these rules can lead to trouble with the law.
Considerations for Minors Using Self-Defense Weapons
Kids need to know the rules about self-defense tools. They can't just pick any weapon. Some have age limits, like pepper spray and Tasers. Others might be okay with a grown-up watching.
Want to learn more? Keep reading!
Age Limits for Pepper Spray and Tasers
In Illinois, people must be careful about what self-defense tools they can have. Here, let's talk about the age you need to be for pepper spray and Tasers.
- You must be over 18 to have or carry pepper spray. This rule is because pepper spray is very strong and can stop someone by making it hard for them to see or breathe.
- For stun guns, most stores won't sell one to you unless you're at least 18. However, you must have a FOID card, of which you must be at least 21 years old, so for those younger than 21, it is allowed under supervision of an adult who has a FOID/must have parental consent to apply for a FOID.
- When buying pepper spray, no special permit is needed. Anyone over 18 can just buy it without extra steps.
- Getting a stun gun might need more steps than pepper spray because of the FOID requirement. You might have to pass a background check just like when buying a gun.
Next, we will look at where you can buy these self-defense items in Illinois.
Approved Weapons for Minors with Supervision
Minors have options for self-defense in Illinois, but they need supervision. Here's what's allowed:
Personal Alarm Safety Keychain
- Personal alarms are okay for any age. They make loud noises to scare attackers away.
- Tactical pens work for minors too. You can carry them like normal pens, but they're tough and can help in a fight.
- Pepper spray is fine if you're 18 or older. It causes a burning feeling and gives you time to run.
- Minors can use stun devices with an adult around. These shock attackers and stop them for a bit.
Each item has rules on how to use it safely and legally.
Buying and Handling Legal Self-Defense Devices
Finding and using legal self-defense tools in Illinois is key for safety. You can buy these items from many stores or online shops. Make sure you know the rules for carrying them in public places.
This will keep you on the right side of the law. Want to learn more about staying safe and legal? Keep reading.
Sources for Purchasing Legal Self-Defense Instruments in Illinois
You can buy legal self-defense tools in many places in Illinois. Stores sell items like pepper spray, stun guns, and pocket knives. Some stores even offer free shipping on orders over $20 for self-defense devices.
This makes it easy to get what you need without leaving your home.
Online shops are another good option. They have a wide range of products, from police-grade sprays to keychain versions that are easy to carry around. Before buying, make sure you know the laws about carrying these tools in public places.
Rules for Public Carrying of Self-Defense Tools
In Illinois, you need a valid FOID card to carry firearms in public for self-defense. This rule makes sure only people who pass safety checks can have guns. For pepper spray and stun guns, no permit is needed, but there are rules to follow.
You must use them only if you really need to protect yourself from harm.
Carrying a pocket knife is also okay, but it has to be under a certain size. Big knives or switchblades are not allowed on you when out and about. Always keep these tools in places where they're easy to reach if you ever need them to defend yourself.
Staying safe means knowing these laws well and following them every day.
Conclusion
You learned about safe self-defense tools in Illinois. Pepper spray and tasers need special cards. Knives have rules too. Some items, like batons, are not allowed. Think about how you can stay safe with these options.
FAQs
1. What self-defense weapons are legal in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can legally use pepper spray for self-defense. Stun guns and tasers are also permitted, but only if you're over 18 years old. It's important to know the laws before carrying these less-lethal options.
2. Do I need a permit for pepper spray or stun guns in Illinois?
No permit is needed for oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray - the active ingredient in pepper spray. However, a concealed carry permit (CCW) is required to carry stun guns or tasers.
3. Are there restrictions on knife carry laws in Illinois?
Yes, certain types of knives such as switchblades and automatic knives are prohibited. You can legally carry folding knives and pocket knives without any unlawful entry issues.
4. Can I keep a knife in my car while driving around places like Dupage County, Bolingbrook, Darien, Woodridge or Plainfield?
While it's legal to have a knife in your car under Illinois law; local ordinances might differ so always check with your lawyer or local authorities before doing so.
5. Is there an age limit to purchase taser/stun gun or similar self defense devices?
To purchase a taser device one must be at least 18 years old according to the state law of Illinois, with parental consent to appy for a FOID, which, by law, requires one to be at least 21 years old.
6.What happens if I'm physically assaulted?
Illinois operates under "no duty to retreat" law which means you have legal right to defend yourself if you believe that force is necessary against an assailant.
References:
- https://www.chicagocriminallawyerblog.com/illinois-gun-laws-and-weapons-charges-what-you-need-to-know/Â (2024-10-13)
- https://www.cheronislaw.com/blog/2024/05/navigating-self-defense-laws-in-illinois/
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/illinois-law/illinois-self-defense-laws.html
- https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/stungun-laws-illinois.htm
- https://www.andrewnickel.com/blog/2021/october/illinois-knife-laws/Â (2021-10-28)
- https://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?/topic/76873-whats-the-law-on-legal-non-lethal-self-defense-options-in-il/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/non-powder-toy-guns-in-illinois/Â (2023-12-31)