Do You Know The Stun Gun Laws in Your State?
THIS MAP SHOWS YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY LEGAL
Stun guns are great for self-defense, but did you know each state has it’s own stun gun laws? If you’re thinking of owning and carrying a stun gun, our interactive map (below), will provide you with all of the information you need to to stay within the law of your state, county, and city.
The statutes listed below are accurate as of January 2022, but we will check back regularly to update this page as laws and statutes can change at any time. Please read the disclaimer.
How to use the Stun Gun Laws Interactive Map
- Hover over each state to view the ‘info box’ with a simple LEGAL/ILLEGAL indicator.
- Each ‘info box’ will also contain a link to the specific laws in the complete table listed below.
- Stun Guns are Illegal in some cities – you will also find this information in the ‘info box’ popup.
- Click on any state to open a new window – which will take you directly to relevant statute/law.
You want to stay within the law which is probably why you’re reading this page. But these laws are not so easily understood, which is where we can help. So that you can get the information you need quickly, we have broken down each state into an easy to use (and read) table.
- You can search for your state using the state name or its abbreviation. E.g Maryland OR MD
- Each column can be used to sort the table in whatever way you choose.
- The final column provides a link to each statute page from where this information was derived.
Stun Gun Laws By State 2020
| State | State Abbreviation | Legal/Illegal | At-A-Glance | Exceptions (Cities/Counties) | Statute ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | AL | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | ||
| Alaska | AK | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Alaska Stat. 11.81.900 | |
| Arizona | AZ | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 13-3117 | |
| Arkansas | AR | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ark. Code 5-73-133 | |
| California | CA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ca. Pen. Code 17230, 16780 | |
| Colorado | CO | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-12-106.5 | |
| Connecticut | CT | LEGAL | Legal (Permit Required) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a-3 | |
| Delaware | DE | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Del. Code Ann. tit. 11 1443 | |
| District of Columbia | DC | LEGAL | Legal to posses. Not allowed to possess in a building or office occupied by the DC government. | Metropolitan Police Dept. | |
| Florida | FL | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Fl. Stat. Ann. 790.01 | |
| Georgia | GA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ga. Code Ann. 16.11.131 | |
| Hawaii | HI | ILLEGAL | Illegal to buy, sell or possess | Haw. Rev. Stat. 134-16. | |
| Idaho | ID | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Idaho Code Ann. 18-3325 | |
| Illinois | IL | LEGAL | Legal with restrictions | Illegal In: – Chicago, IL | Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/24-1. |
| Indiana | IN | LEGAL | Legal (Permit Required) | Ind. Code 35-47-8-5 | |
| Iowa | IA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Illegal In: – Crawford County, IA | Iowa Code 702.7 |
| Kansas | KS | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | ||
| Kentucky | KY | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. 527.020. | |
| Louisiana | LA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 14:2 | |
| Maine | ME | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17 § 1004. | |
| Maryland | MD | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Illegal In: – Annapolis, MD – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore County, MD | Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law 4-109 |
| Massachusetts | MA | ILLEGAL | Illegal to buy, sell or possess | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, 131J | |
| Michigan | MI | LEGAL | Legal (Permit Required) | Mich. Comp. Laws 750.231. | |
| Minnesota | MN | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Minn. Stat. 624.731. | |
| Mississippi | MS | LEGAL | Legal (Permit Required) | Miss. Code 97-37-1 | |
| Missouri | MO | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Mo. Rev. Stat. 571.030 | |
| Montana | MT | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Mont. Code Ann. 45-8-316 | |
| Nebraska | NE | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1202 | |
| Nevada | NV | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Nev. Rev. Stat. 202.357. | |
| New Hampshire | NH | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 159:21 | |
| New Jersey | NJ | ILLEGAL | Illegal to buy, sell or possess | N.J. Stat. Ann. 2C:39-3 | |
| New Mexico | NM | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | N.M. Stat. Ann. 30-7-2 | |
| New York | NY | ILLEGAL | Illegal to buy, sell or possess | N.Y. Penal 265.01 | |
| North Carolina | NC | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. 14-269 | |
| North Dakota | ND | LEGAL | Legal – concealed weapon permit required | N.D. Cent. Code 62.1-02-04 | |
| Ohio | OH | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 2923.122 | |
| Oklahoma | OK | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | ||
| Oregon | OR | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Or. Rev. Stat. 166.370 | |
| Pennsylvania | PA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Illegal In: – Philadelpia, PA | 18 Pa. Con. Stat. 6105 |
| Rhode Island | RI | ILLEGAL | Illegal to possess and/or use | R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. 11-47-42 | |
| South Carolina | SC | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | S.C. Code Ann. 16-23-430 | |
| South Dakota | SD | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | S.D. Codified Laws 22-14-23 | |
| Tennessee | TN | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-1307 | |
| Texas | TX | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Tx. Stat. and Code Ann. 38.14 | |
| Utah | UT | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Utah Code Ann. 76-10-504 | |
| Vermont | VT | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, 4016 | |
| Virginia | VA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Va. Ann. Code 18.2-308.2 | |
| Washington | WA | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 9.41.280 | |
| West Virginia | WV | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | W. Va. Code Ann. 61-7-3 | |
| Wisconsin | WI | LEGAL | Legal – concealed weapon permit required | Wis. Stat. Ann. 941.295 | |
| Wyoming | WY | LEGAL | Legal without major restrictions | Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-8-103 |
Stun Gun & Taser FAQ
Stun guns and tasers are very effective self-defense tools that are suitable to carry with you throughout your daily life in many different scenarios.
However, because they can be quite dangerous when used improperly, many states have laws and regulations stipulating when and how they can be used.
It is very important for all stun gun and taser owners to be aware of these rules and regulations to ensure that they comply at all times.
Are stun guns legal to own?
Stun guns are legal to own in most US states. However, they are not legal everywhere. Certain states, cities, and counties have also specifically prohibited stun gun use within their jurisdictions.
You should review the stun gun laws in your specific state, city, and county before making a purchase to ensure that it is completely legal. Generally, stun guns for self-defense are legal to own for adults with no criminal record.
Legally, does my stun gun have to be concealed when I carry it?
This is where things get a little more tricky. There are many states, cities, and counties that have regulations about stun gun use that require you to conceal them when you are carrying them in public.
These laws can be very specific and detailed, so you should always be sure to contact your state or local law enforcement if you have any concerns or questions about concealed stun gun laws.
Even if you are not intending to actively harm anyone with your stun gun, you can still get in trouble with the police if you do not obey stun gun concealed carry laws.
In most states, the stun gun does not have to be concealed in order for you to carry it. However, it is always best to be thoughtful of how you carry and use your stun gun in public to avoid unnecessary panic and violence.
Am I allowed to keep a stun gun in my car?
Only in very rare cases would you not be allowed to carry a stun gun in your car in areas where it is already legal to have one.
If you are worried about your safety when driving alone or at night, then it can actually be very beneficial for you to have a stun gun in your car just in case of an emergency for your peace of mind.
Even in states that have concealed carry laws, generally keeping them in your car still abides by this law as long as you do not leave it in plain sight of the windows. A good place to keep your stun gun would be in the glove box or in the center console.
Am I allowed to keep a stun gun in my purse?
Stun guns are a very popular self-defense tool for women who need to walk alone at night or through dangerous areas and want to carry something to make them feel safer.
They are a great choice because they are easy to use and easy to carry, which is why many women wonder: can I keep a stun gun in my purse?
In states where stun guns are legal, the answer is generally yes. Keeping the stun gun in your purse will also comply with concealed carry laws in states that have them.
It is always important, however, to make sure that your stun gun or taser is completely secure in the bag and that you can access it easily if necessary.
Can convicted felons carry a stun gun?
For the most part, the answer to this is no. In most states and cities, even where stun gun use is legal, convicted felons cannot own, carry, or use a stun gun, even for self-defense.
However, this does vary slightly by location, so you can check with your local law enforcement or city government to confirm.
Can you kill with a stun gun?
Stun guns are so popular because they are considered to be a relatively harmless mode of self-defense. Many people are more comfortable with carrying a stun gun than a pistol because there is far less of a chance of causing someone permanent harm.
There is a very small chance that one could die from a stun gun attack. If this were to happen, it would be because the victim/attacker had existing problems with their heart or respiratory system and it triggered a fatal response. This could also happen if the victim/attacker had been using drugs.
There is also a higher risk of major injury resulting from a taser attack in these instances. It is important to be very discerning when using a stun gun, often just threatening use of the stun gun will be enough to get an attacker to back down.
Generally, though, a stun gun attack will not kill someone or even cause long-term damage to their body, so they are a good way of preventing yourself from incurring harm in an attack.
Since stun guns are a relatively new development, there isn’t much research to turn too, however, in the near future we hope to learn more about the physical effects of stun guns and tasers on the body.
Do I need a permit to carry a stun gun?
In most states, you do not need a permit to carry a stun gun. In some states, you will need a permit (usually a handgun or pistol permit) in order to carry a stun gun. For more information on this see our interactive map or table.
Your stun gun retailer will usually inform you of this and can direct you to the appropriate resources to help you get a permit. Your local police force can also give you this information as well.
Are there any confusing laws or language I should be aware of?
In some cities or states, there are umbrella laws about defense weaponry that also apply to stun guns and tasers. They may be referred to as a weapon capable of causing death or serious injury.
Tasers may also be referred to as a projectile device. Some states also have different laws covering stun guns and tasers separately.
If you cannot find information on stun gun laws in your state, city, or county, please contact your local police department, city government, or a local lawyer to get information on them before making a purchase. You should also be able to ask your stun gun dealer if you buy one in person.
Many online retailers will also prohibit you from buying one in places where it is illegal or inform you of any concealed carry regulations before shipping to your state. As a general rule, stun guns should only be used for self-defense.
Even though they are safer than traditional firearms, they can still cause trauma or injury. However, when used intelligently, they are a great tool to help you increase your personal peace of mind when walking at night or by yourself.
Traveling With A Stun Gun
When you are traveling, you may find that you want to bring your stun gun with you, particularly if you are heading to a place where you will be completely on your own and might be worried about your safety.
Stun guns are great for truly reducing stress and helping you feel more comfortable in your environment, and that’s never more important than when you’re traveling. However, there are many things you should be aware of when traveling with a stun gun.
First, you should research the stun gun laws for the country, state, or city that you are traveling to. They may be completely different than the stun gun laws in your hometown, so you should check and make sure of a few things.
First, can you even bring a stun gun there at all? In some places, they are completely illegal. Second, will you need a permit to carry one? If so, you should probably leave it behind.
Finally, will you need to conceal it when you arrive at your destination? If you do, just make sure to bring clothing with large pockets or a bag to carry it in.
Travel - Modes of Transport
You’ll then need to research the rules for transportation with a stun gun. The TSA does NOT allow you to carry a stun gun on a plane.
However, stun guns are allowed in checked luggage baggage with certain restrictions.
You must identify them and they must be disarmed. The rules are slightly different depending on whether you have a stun gun or a taser. The best way to deal with this issue is to call your airline and explain that you are interested in transporting a stun gun or taser with you. Make sure to arrive early and declare your items at check-in and the security checkpoint.
They will give you very specific instructions to follow. However, you should be aware that the TSA does not allow passengers to take stun guns on the plane, and you will need to comply with all regulations exactly as they are given or there will be a risk of them confiscating the stun gun from you.
If you are traveling by bus or train, you should also contact your carrier to get more information about how to proceed with your stun gun. Some carriers prohibit them and some have no problem with them.
If you are driving your own car, you have things easy – just make sure that your stun gun is in a safe and secure place during your journey.
However, be aware that even if you are just passing through a city or state, it may be illegal to have a stun gun there. Check and be sure that it is legal to carry a stun gun along your entire route.
Travel - Arriving At Your Destination
Once you arrive at your destination, you should make sure to keep the stun gun safe and ensure that you know exactly where it is at all times.
When you are in your hotel room, keep the stun gun in a drawer or even in the safe – do not leave it lying out, particularly if you have guests over or you know that hotel staff will be cleaning.
You should also be sure to always secure the stun gun in your hotel room if you decide not to bring it with you when you go out.
It may also help to talk to the hotel management about their stun gun laws before you book with them in the first place. Some establishments may not allow stun guns, but others may be able to help you keep them safe.
It is also important to inform your host about your stun gun if you are staying in an Airbnb or similar type of accommodation, just to keep everyone safe. Many people are very understanding of stun guns when they are used for self-defense.
When you take the stun gun with you, keep it in a secure pocket or bag, and make sure you can easily reach it at all times. This will help keep you safe on your travels.
Traveling with a Stun Gun or Taser Summary
Traveling with a stun gun is an easy way to empower yourself when visiting a new place. As long as you are safe and observant, you should have no problems with your stun gun while on the road, and you can feel safe exploring on your own.
Stun gun laws are in place to prevent citizens from using them in a way that is dangerous to innocent people and to society in general. Because of these laws, we can continue to use stun guns as a mode of self-defense.
Most stun gun laws are very simple to understand and follow, but it is very important to familiarize yourself with them before purchasing a stun gun or taking it out with you.
