Can I buy spray paint at 17

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What is graffiti?

Graffiti is when you make a mark on property that cannot be easily removed by wiping it with a dry cloth. This includes things like marking, writing, and drawing on property with spray paint or any other tool.

Is graffiti illegal?

Graffiti is generally against the law, but there are some situations where it can be legal. For example, it may be allowed if you have permission from the owner of the property or you are doing it as part of your work or education..

Can I buy spray paint?

It is against the law for anyone to sell a spray paint can to a person who is under 18. A person who does this could be fined up to $3180. Because of this, a shop assistant may ask you for identification if you want to buy spray paint. If you cannot prove you are over 18 the shop assistant may refuse to sell you the spray paint.

Can I carry a graffiti tool?

It is against the law to carry a spray paint can in a public place, unless you need the spray can for your work, education or you are participating in an activity or sport where it is legal to do graffiti. If you are carrying the spray paint can in a public place to do other things that are illegal, then you could be fined up to $3180. A public place includes many places, like schools, parks and train stations.

In Tasmania, it is not illegal to carry graffiti tools other than spray cans (e.g. marker pens).

Can I be stopped and searched for graffiti tools?

Yes.  If a police officer reasonably believes you have a spray paint can in a public place and you should not have it, the police can stop and search you or your vehicle. For graffiti tools other than spray paint, the police’s normal powers to search you will apply.  For more information about this, see our page on ‘What powers do the police have’.

Can my spray can or other graffiti tools be confiscated?

A police officer can confiscate any spray cans that they find. For graffiti tools other than spray paint, the normal rules about police confiscations apply.  For more information about this, see our page on ‘What powers do the police have’.

What happens if I’ve been caught carrying a spray can, or making illegal graffiti by the police?

If you are under 18, the police may:

1. give you an informal caution;
2. give you a formal caution;
3. make you do community service, such as removing the graffiti;
4. make you pay money;
5. make you attend a Community Conference;
6. charge you for a graffiti crime. This means you have to go to court.

For more information about warnings, cautions, youth justice conferences and being charged, see our web pages on “Youth Justice System” and “Criminal Law”.

What are the penalties for graffiti crimes?

If you are under 18 and you are charged with an offence and then found guilty, depending on the case, a court can:

1. make you do community service, such as cleaning up the graffiti;
2. Make you attend a Community Conference;
3. Put you on a good behaviour order;
4. Require you to pay money for the damage you caused by doing the graffiti;
5. Give you a fine that could be as high as $3080.  The amount of the fine will depend on the circumstances.

For more information about penalties and going to court, see our web pages on“Youth Justice” and “Court stuff.”

Have you ever wondered why do you need to be 18 years old to buy spray paint?

When you are planning to buy spray paint, do you ever wonder why the age requirement is so high? Are there safety concerns? There are many factors that have contributed to the decision of 18 being the minimum age for buying spray paint. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this decision.

As we all know, spray paint is a very popular commodity used by people to adorn their creative ideas and concepts on surfaces such as walls, doors, or any other solid surface.

In order to buy spray paint, you need a valid form of identification such as a driver's license or passport to prove that you are 18 years of age or older.

So, why is it that the legal age to buy spray paint is 18?

The main reason behind the age restriction on spray paint sales is to prevent people from misusing it. Nowadays, there are many incidents of vandalism that are caused by minors who have access to spray paint.

In addition, spray paint is a very powerful tool, and when it is used irresponsibly, the consequences can be quite damaging. For example, spray paint can easily be used to graffiti public property and this type of activity can lead to fines and even jail time.

There had been instances where minors mostly teenagers who were caught vandalizing public property with spray paint.

Therefore, in order to prevent minors from engaging in these types of destructive behaviors, the law requires that a person must be 18 years of age or older in order to purchase spray paint.

Some Important Spray paint laws by state

These are some of the important laws by the states regarding buying and using spray paint. If you want to buy spray paint then you must ensure that you fulfill all the conditions and obey all the rules as prescribed by the government. 

CALIFORNIA

Anyone in California may not sell or give a spray paint container capable of defacing property to someone under the age of 18. It is illegal for children under the age of 18 to buy spray paint. Parents and guardians are not affected.

It is illegal to carry spray paint in public view in any facility that has a warning sign that it is prohibited to bring spray paint into the premises without proper authorization.

This has been done to stop defacing property in a public place, such as on the street or sidewalk, for the purpose of causing harm.

It requires merchants selling spray paint to prominently display a sign informing customers that defacing property with spray paint is considered vandalism and is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both (California Penal Code 594.1).

GUAM

Guam outlaws the sale and purchase of spray paint and broad-tipped indelible markers by minors.

Additionally, it prohibits anyone from

(1) writing, painting, or drawing on any public or private building or structure without prior written authorization;

(2) possessing spray paint or a broad-tipped indelible marker with the intent to commit an act of graffiti; and

(3) minors possessing spray paint or such a marker on public or private property without the owner's consent.

The legislation requires businesses to put a sign near the product display informing customers that graffiti is a felony and a second sign near the cashier informing customers that it is against the law to sell spray paint or broad-tipped indelible markers to minors (9 Guam Code Ann. 34.70).

NEW JERSEY

In New Jersey, spray paint businesses are required to place a sign near the product display or cash register advising that a juvenile who commits an act of graffiti faces a one-year driver's licence suspension for the first offence and a two-year suspension for the second offence (N.J.S.A 2C:33-25).

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island forbids minors from purchasing spray paint that is capable of defacing property. Retailers must prominently display a notice of the legislation in at least 3/8-inch-high lettering.

Additionally, children are prohibited from possessing spray paint unless they are on land owned or rented by a parent or guardian (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-9-19 & 11-9-19.1).

TEXAS

Texas is attempting to discourage juveniles from misusing spray paint through inhalation of its fumes. It forbids stores from selling or distributing to minors "abusable glue or aerosol paint." 

It necessitates the acquisition of a state permit by these retailers. They must display a sign declaring that selling to children is against the law and that the offense is a third-degree felony.

It requires merchants to display spray paint in an area that is either (1) directly visible to a cashier or another continually manned workstation, (2) accessible solely to store employees, or (3) electronically monitored by surveillance equipment (V.T.C.A. 485.012 to 485.019).

Also read: Is spray paint bad for the environment?

How do you know if your age is old enough to buy spray paint?

The U.S. government requires all people over the age of 18 to have proof of their identity and age when purchasing any item, including spray paint. So if you're under 18, you'll need to show identification proving that you are at least 18 years old.

In addition to showing ID, you'll also need to provide proof of residence. This could include a utility bill, driver's license, student ID card, passport, or other documents that prove where you live.

Why is spray paint age restricted?

Spray paint is age restricted because most of the teenagers start using spray paint for graffiti art and vandalism. It can damage property and cause serious harm to others.

If you're caught vandalizing someone else's property without permission, you could face criminal charges. And if you get into an accident while spraying on walls or fences, you could be liable for damages.

So, in order to protect yourself from these risks, the government regulates the sale of spray paint so that only adults can purchase it.

Is buying spray paint illegal in The United States?

No, buying spray paint is not illegal in The United States. However, the federal law does require all people over the age 18 to present valid photo identification and proof of residency before they can purchase spray paints.

But there are no laws against selling or buying spray paints. As long as you follow the rules, you won't run into legal problems.

Is it illegal to buy spray paint online?

No, it isn't illegal to buy spray paint through the internet. There are no laws that prohibit anyone from ordering spray paint online.

However, you will still need to comply with the same requirements as those who purchase spray paint in stores. For example, you'll need to provide valid photo identification and proof that you reside in the state where you plan to use the paint.

Is spray painting a car illegal in Australia?

No, spray painting a car is not illegal until and unless you are painting your own car. If you are spray painting someone else car without their permission then you may find yourself facing prosecution. A car is a personal property, so you can spray paint your can.

Is spray paint illegal in Australia?

No, it is not illegal to spray paint in Australia. However, you must obtain written consent from the owner of the property before you begin working on it. If you are spray painting your own property then you can go ahead and use whatever tools you like.

Conclusion

If you are over 18 years of age and want to use spray paint for your personal use then buying spray paint is absolutely legal. The government has put age restriction on buying spray paint just to stop the acts of vandalism.

However, you should always check with local authorities before you begin spray painting anything. Be sure to ask about the laws regarding spray paint in your area.

FAQs

Can you buy spray paint if you are under 18?

No, you cannot buy spray paint if you are under 18. You must be 18 years old before you can buy any type of spray paint.

What happens when I am caught spray painting illegally?

You could face criminal charges. If you are found guilty, you could end up having to pay fines and court costs. In addition, you could also have to spend time in jail.

Can a 16 year old buy spray paint?

No, a 16 year old cannot buy spray paint. They must wait until they turn 18 years old before they can buy it.

Do I have to be a certain age to buy spray paint?

Yes, you have to be 18 years or above to buy spray paint. 

Can I buy spray paint at 17?

No, you can not buy spray paint at 17 years of age. You must wait until you are 18 years old to buy spray paint.

How old do you gotta be to get spray paint?

Can a 16 year old buy spray paint UK?

How old do you have to be to buy spray paint in Arizona?

How old do you have to be to buy spray paint in Michigan?