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Stun Gun and Taser Laws By State

Taser and Stun Gun Laws Interactive Map: 2022 Update
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Click on your state to see if Stun Guns are legal in your state. (Posted on 6/1/2022) *This information should not be construed as legal advice and is offered for information purposes only. Always refer to your state and local laws before buying, carrying or using a stun gun or Taser.
Is a Stun Gun the same as a Taser?
Both a stun gun and taser are designed to deliver electric shocks, but they differ in terms of power and use.
A stun gun is a non-lethal weapon that uses an electric current to cause temporary muscle paralysis. The unit is used at close range and must be pressed against the target’s body.
On the other hand, a taser is a type of electroshock weapon that uses compressed air to launch two small probes attached to electric wires. It delivers 50,000 volts of electricity and can even penetrate through clothing.
This makes it a more powerful option than the stun gun. However, it can also be more dangerous, causing serious injury or even death if used incorrectly. For this reason, it’s important to understand the differences between these two devices before choosing one for self-defense.
Stun guns are generally less expensive than tasers and have a smaller range. They are also less likely to cause serious injury. When used correctly, both devices can be effective self-defense tools.
Why Use a Stun Gun?
There may be times when you feel unsafe and in danger during your everyday activities. Perhaps you work late shifts and walk to your car alone at night, or perhaps you live in an area where crime is prevalent.
In any case, a stun guns or taser may be the perfect solution for keeping yourself safe without causing permanent damage to another person. However, it’s essential that you understand the different laws surrounding stun gun and Taser usage in your state before making a purchase.
Each state has different regulations regarding these devices and their usage. Some states allow them only for self-defense, while other states prohibit them completely. Knowing whether or not owning a stun gun is legal in your state can help you make the right decision about purchasing one.
What is the Highest Legal Voltage for a Stun Gun?
While a common question, the true power of a Stun Gun is measured in amperage. A stun gun is a weapon that uses high-voltage, low-current electricity to temporarily disable its target.
There are different levels of stun guns. The most common is the low-level stun gun, which uses one to two milliamps. Medium-level stun guns use two to three milliamps and high-level stun guns use up to five milliamps. The higher the amperage, the more damage the weapon will do. The Sabre Tactical Flashlight is one of the most powerful units on the market.
Is Carrying Around a Taser Illegal?
Taser is a brand name for a type of electroshock weapon, also called stun guns or incapacitation devices. They use compressed gas to shoot two small probes attached to wires into the body. The probes are then connected to a device that delivers an electric shock. This causes muscle spasms and temporary paralysis.
While TASER Products are legal to possess and carry for self protection in most jurisdictions, there are locations and municipalities where they are illegal. Tasers are not legal in Rhode Island and concealed carry permits are required in other states. Always review your local and state laws before purchasing or carrying a Taser.
Can I Use a Stun Gun for Self Defense?
The short answer is “Yes,” but there are some important caveats. First and foremost, stun guns are not a replacement for a proper self-defense plan. While a stun gun may be a useful tool in the right circumstances, it is not a magic wand that will solve all of your safety problems.
First, let’s look at the basics. Stun guns are designed to deliver an electric shock to the person they are pointed at. This shock can incapacitate a person by causing muscle spasms (in theory), and it can cause pain.
If you are looking for a stun gun for self-defense purposes, there are two main considerations to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the stun gun you choose can deliver a strong enough shock to incapacitate an attacker. Second, make sure that the stun gun is small and easy to conceal.
Second, let’s look at the legal considerations. In many jurisdictions, stun guns and other weapons of this type are illegal to own without a special permit. Make sure that you know the legal situation before you try to buy a stun gun for self-defense purposes.
Can Civilians own Taser Guns?
Civilians are able to own and carry Tasers in 49 states, and a few of these states have requirements. Hawaii for example requires an age of 21, training and a background check to own a Taser gun.
Tasers are illegal in Rhode Island while a (CCP) Concealed Carry Permit is necessary in other States.
Can Civilians own Taser Guns?
While owning a stun gun is not legal for everyone, it is possible for some convicted felons to own a stun gun under certain circumstances. It depends on the state in which you live as well as your specific felony conviction(s).
For example, in many states, convicted felons are not permitted to own firearms. This means that they will probably be unable own Tasers because these weapons are classified as firearms under many state laws. In fact the ATF considers a Taser a firearm.
It’s important to check your state’s laws to determine whether you can own a stun gun or not.
How Long Does a Stun Gun Incapacitate Someone?
A stun gun’s effectiveness does not just depend on whether it can power and successfully deliver electricity, but also on the type of person you are using it on.
While young people and larger people may feel the painful effects of a stun gun less than older people or smaller people, a stun gun is still likely to stun a person long enough for you to escape.
This can be helpful if you are trying to defend yourself against an attacker or criminal, but in some situations, this is not ideal. For example, if you are trying to incapacitate someone temporarily while they are on drugs, alcohol or psychotic, a stun gun may not be the best choice.
A Taser is a better choice for incapacitating an attacker from distance by causing the attackers muscles to contract and losing voluntary muscle control. You’ll have more time to escape and the ability to hit them again if needed from distance.
Do Stun Guns Work Through Clothing?
Most quality stun guns still work through clothing but direct skin contact is best for maximum effect.
Which is Better, a Stun Gun or Pepper Spray?
Both stun guns and pepper spray can be effective self defense weapons. Each of these have pros and cons.
Stun guns discharge a painful electrical shock through small metal probes. The upside is that the discharge can stop your attacker long enough for you to escape.
The downside is that you must be close enough to touch the device to your attacker. Also, the shock might not be enough to stop a large, psychotic or inebriated bad guy. It is also possible for the attacker to take the stun gun away from you and shock you. To avoid this, get a stun gun with a wrist strap that disables the unit when removed from your hand.
Pepper spray is a good self defense option from a 8′-12′ distance. Pepper spray’s main ingredient capsaicin, causes burning, pain, and tears when it comes into contact with a person’s eyes.
One major downside to pepper spray is called “blowback”. This when the spray unintentionally gets in your eyes, mainly from the wind. Obviously this would make you even more vulnerable.
Alabama
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes, Some Restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Alaska
Stun Guns:Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some Restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Arizona
Are Stun Guns Legal In Arizona?
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some Restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Arkansas
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
California
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Colorado
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Connecticut
Stun Guns: Yes: Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Permit Required
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Columbia
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Delaware
Stun Guns: Yes: Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Florida
Stun Guns: Yes: Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Georgia
Stun Guns: Yes: Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Hawaii
Stun Guns: Yes: 21 and older, Training and background check required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Idaho
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Illinois
Stun Guns: Yes: With FOID
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Indiana
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Iowa
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Kansas
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Kentucky
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Louisiana
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Maine
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Maryland
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Massachusetts
Stun Guns: Yes: License Required
Tasers: Yes: License Required
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Michigan
Stun Guns: Yes: License Required
Tasers: Yes: License Required
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Minnesota
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Mississippi
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Missouri
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Montana
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Nebraska
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Nevada
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Hampshire
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
New Jersey
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
New Mexico
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
New York
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
North Carolina
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: License required
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
North Dakota
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Ohio
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Oklahoma
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Oregon
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Pennsylvania
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some Restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Rhode Island
Stun Guns: Illegal
Tasers: Yes: Illegal
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
South Carolina
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
South Dakota
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Tennessee
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Texas
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Utah
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Vermont
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Virginia
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Are Stun Guns Legal in Washington?
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
West Virginia
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Wisconsin
Stun Guns: Yes: License Required for Concealed Carry
Tasers: Yes: License Required for Concealed Carry
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.
Wyoming
Stun Guns: Yes: No Permit Required
Tasers: Yes: Some restrictions
*There may be jurisdictions in the state with restrictions on Stun Guns and Tasers so always check with your local municipality.

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