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Is it legal to bring / use pepper spray in Baja? My daughter bought me two cans to add to my "protective devices", i.e. alarm on car, baseball bats at doors, and large dog, but I don't want to be arrested if I need to use it. Any advice?

I have asked both at the border as well as at a few military checkpoints and was told that pepper spray, tasers or stun guns, pellet guns and the like are not considered illegal to have on your possession in Mexico.

I would suggest that you be sure to declare them immediately when stopped at any military/law enforcement check point.

When traveling, we carry a pepper spray and small hand held tazer. We keep them in the center console of the truck. On many occasions the army guys have taken both out and inspected them. They either put it right back, ask what it's for, or pretend to zap their partner . If they ask what it's for, I just say protection. They nod and put it back where they found it. I've carried both for over a decade with no problems.

If you carry it on your keyring....just don't forget to take it off if you plan to fly....or you'll be donating it to an arriving stranger at the airport!

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

I would suggest that you be sure to declare them immediately when stopped at any military/law enforcement check point.

That's the last thing I would do. A classic case of, "Opening a can of worms."
These soldiers at checkpoints won't know what they are in the first place. To start a dialog with them about the spray will only end in emotional reactions. They don't know the law.

There was a time when they sold pepper spray in the gift shop at Rodriguez International Airport in Tijuana and, to this day, they sell pellet guns at the larger grocery stores like ComMex and Soriana's.
Just don't leave the spray on the dashboard in the hot sun.

Originally Posted by gointomex

Is it legal to bring / use pepper spray in Baja? My daughter bought me two cans to add to my "protective devices", i.e. alarm on car, baseball bats at doors, and large dog, but I don't want to be arrested if I need to use it. Any advice?

Baseball bats? Sounds like you live in New York. My wife carries it in San Diego and sometimes into Baja. We've been searched at A.F.I. and military checkpoints and have never had a problem. One thing though, If you ever have to use it, make absolutely sure that you need to use it. For the most part, Baja Californianos are awesomely friendly towards Americans. It's those damn 1%'ers that give the rest a bad rap.

Passing through check points hundreds of times in the last several years I always have declared them and never has there been a problem. They do ask questions some times about if I have ever had to use it, etc etc but never has there been an issue and usually that is the end of my inspection and they wave me on.

YMMV

Originally Posted by DENNIS

That's the last thing I would do. A classic case of, "Opening a can of worms."
These soldiers at checkpoints won't know what they are in the first place. To start a dialog with them about the spray will only end in emotional reactions. They don't know the law.

There was a time when they sold pepper spray in the gift shop at Rodriguez International Airport in Tijuana and, to this day, they sell pellet guns at the larger grocery stores like ComMex and Soriana's.
Just don't leave the spray on the dashboard in the hot sun.

I prefer the use of a green laser

Meritline.com - Black Military Grade Green Beam Laser Pointer

Originally Posted by Teniente

I prefer the use of a green laser

Meritline.com - Black Military Grade Green Beam Laser Pointer

To blind potential criminals, or?

Originally Posted by Jaybo

To blind potential criminals, or?

Whatever..................

Thanks all for your input. This stuff is strong - 2,000,000 heat units. I don't want to need to use it - but, just in case..........

I've had nothing but great experiences in my "Mexico Adventures" - just don't want to be unprepared if events change. I have to go through "declare" as we are bringing a p/u load of household goods down again.

Originally Posted by Jaybo

To blind potential criminals, or?

Or you could tape it on top of the barrel of your Glock...

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

Or you could tape it on top of the barrel of your Glock...

Whatever works..............