Stun guns are legal in forty-eight out of fifty states, with the two exceptions being Hawaii and Rhode Island. Stun guns or tasers rely on conducted energy while other U.S. codes regulate the possession of firearms and dangerous weapons.
Alabama Code 13A-1-2 and most other states declare such products as a “Defensive Weapon.” These weapons are a so-called electric stun gun, even a device capable of dispensing mace or a similar chemical agent not meant to cause death or serious physical injury.”
Please remember, stun guns and tasers are not firearms. Therefore, different laws regarding these types of products are in effect.
Dangerous Weapons
Arizona code 13-1213 clearly states that no laser pointer, taser, or similar device can be pointed at a peace officer.
California declares it a criminal offense to use a stun gun or taser on a peace officer. Cal. Penal 244.5 states: Regardless of who you are, an assault will declare against you if you assault a peace officer or firefighter with a stun gun or less-lethal weapon, as defined in Section 16780, if you knowingly or reasonably know that the peace officer or firefighter is engaged in the performance of his or her duties.
Punishment – Imprisoned in the county jail for a term not exceeding one year or by imprisonment in agreement with subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or four years.
Stun Guns and Tasers
While stun guns and tasers are not firearms, they are subject to the laws about dangerous weapons.
| State | Is it legal to have a stun gun or taser? | Do I need a permit to own a stun gun or taser? |
| Alabama | Yes | No |
| Alaska | Yes | No |
| Arizona | Yes | No |
| Arkansas | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | No |
| Colorado | Yes | No |
| Delaware | Yes | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes | No |
| Florida | Yes | No |
| Georgia | Yes | No |
| Hawaii | No | N/A |
| Idaho | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes for stun gun** | No |
| Iowa | Yes | No |
| Kansas | Yes | No |
| Kentucky | Yes | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | No |
| Maine | Yes | No |
| Maryland | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No |
| Michigan | Yes, with a concealed carry permit | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No |
| Missouri | Yes | No |
| Montana | Yes | No |
| State | Is it legal to have a stun gun or taser? | Do I need a permit to own a stun gun or taser? |
| Nebraska | Yes | No |
| Nevada | Yes | No |
| New Hampshire | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Yes | No |
| New Mexico | Yes | No |
| New York | Yes | No |
| North Carolina | Yes*** | No |
| North Dakota | Yes | No |
| Ohio | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | Yes | No |
| Oregon | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No |
| Rhode island | No | N/A |
| South Carolina | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | No |
| Tennessee | Yes | No |
| Texas | Yes | No |
| Utah | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | No |
| Washington | Yes | No |
| West Virginia | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | Yes with CCW license***** | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | No |