It is one of the first questions people ask before buying a personal alarm, and the answer is reassuring: yes, a rape alarm (personal attack alarm) is legal to carry in the UK, Ireland, the US and Australia. It makes noise and light, it cannot injure anyone, and no licence or permit is needed.
Why alarms are legal and sprays often are not
The law draws a line between things that alert and things that harm. Sprays that disable a person are treated as weapons in many countries. An alarm only draws attention, so it sits outside weapons law.
United Kingdom
Legal to carry anywhere, at any age. Pepper spray and CS spray are prohibited weapons, so carrying them can lead to a criminal charge, even if you only meant to use them in self-defence.
Ireland
Legal to carry. Pepper spray is banned under the Firearms Acts, which treat it as a weapon discharging a noxious substance.
United States
Legal in every state with no permit. Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states but many limit canister size, sale or who can buy it, and it is not allowed in carry-on bags.
Australia
Legal to carry nationwide, where it is often called a personal duress alarm. Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon in most states and territories; Western Australia allows it only with a reasonable excuse and New South Wales only with a permit.
For a quick summary, see our legal to carry guide.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check local rules if you are unsure.
Ashley Alarm 2 has a 130dB+ siren, a 200-lumen strobe and USB charging, and is carried by 130,000+ women. See Ashley Alarm 2.
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