Pennsylvania § 7303 - Sale or illegal use of certain solvents and noxious substances.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7303 — Sale or illegal use of certain solvents and noxious substances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7303. Sale or illegal use of certain solvents and noxious substances.
(a) Offense defined.--No person shall, for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or the dulling of his brain or nervous system, intentionally smell or inhale the fumes from any noxious substance or substance containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the inhalation of any anesthesia for medical or dental purposes.
(c) Possession prohibited.--No person shall, for the purpose of violating subsection (a) of this section, use, or possess for the purpose of so using, any noxious substance or substance containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes.
(d) Sale prohibited.--No person shall sell at retail, or offer to sell, to any other person any tube or other container of any noxious substance or substance containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes, if he has reasonable cause to suspect that the product sold, or offered for sale, will be used for the purpose set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(e) Grading.--Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(f) Definition.--As used in this section, the phrase "any noxious substance or substance containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes" shall mean any substance containing one or more of the following chemical compounds: acetone, acetate, benzene, butyl alcohol, cyclohexyl nitrite, ethyl alcohol, ethylene dichloride, gaseous or liquid fluorocarbons, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, nitrous oxide, pentachlorophenol, petroleum ether, or toluene.
(Dec. 19, 1997, P.L.615, No.62, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.831, No.116, eff. 60 days)
Cross References. Section 7303 is referred to in section 5502 of Title 30 (Fish); section 3802 of Title 75 (Vehicles).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7303
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7303 cover?
Section 7303 ("Sale or illegal use of certain solvents and noxious substances.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 7303?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7303" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 7303 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.