Arkansas has simple, permissive stun gun laws — legal for adults 18+ without any permit. But every major Arkansas university bans them on campus. Personal alarms and pepper spray are the practical everyday carry for Arkansas college students.
What Arkansas Law Actually Says
Arkansas Code § 5-73-119 permits adults 18+ to possess stun guns without a permit. No size or voltage restrictions. Prohibited locations include school grounds and government buildings.
Campus Reality
University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, UALR, Hendrix, and OBU all ban stun guns on campus. Personal alarms are the only universally unrestricted self-defense option.
What to Carry Instead
For Arkansas students, a personal alarm and pepper spray are the right combination. The She's Birdie Personal Alarm ($29.99) is unrestricted everywhere. The SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel ($11.99) is the top outdoor carry choice.
Always verify your specific campus policy before carrying any self-defense tool on Arkansas campus property.
For self-defense tools that are legal on every campus: see our complete dorm safety kit guide and best personal alarms for college students.
Important: Campus policies change. Always verify current pepper spray rules directly with your student's campus police department or housing office before move-in day. State law sets the minimum — individual colleges can be more restrictive.