Are Stun Guns Legal? Laws Regulating Stun Gun Use

Considering the powerful voltages of stun guns, many people ask, “are stun guns legal?” Even though the stun gun is not considered a firearm, there are laws pertaining to the use of stun guns by citizens. Any deployment of such a personal protection device must be accompanied by a legitimate need for such use, as well as the utilization of some good common sense. These are powerful weapons and should not be taken lightly. While they do not cause any lasting damage to the body, accidentally deploying a stun gun shock to one of your friends or family members will not be considered funny.

Are Stun Guns Legal in All States? States that Prohibit Stun Guns :

Many people wonder, “are stun guns legal in all 50 states?” There are several states that completely ban stun gun ownership or use. These states are: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Illinois, and the District of Columbia.

Cities or counties that are known to prohibit stun gun use are: Annapolis (Maryland), Baltimore city and county (Maryland), Dension/Crawford County (Iowa), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Therefore, when you ask, “are stun guns legal in all states,” it is important to also ask, “are stun guns legal in all cities or counties?”

There may be other jurisdictions that ban stun gun use and ownership, or place certain requirements on it, such as attending mandatory training or completing a background check. If you are interested in purchasing a stun gun, check the laws of your individual state and county to ensure your compliance. Ask, “are stun guns legal” in your local jurisdiction.

Are Stun Guns Legal for Everyone? Individuals Prohibited from Purchasing a Stun Gun:

Other people question, “are stun guns legal for all users?” Anyone under the age of 18 may not purchase a stun gun. In addition, the following individuals are ineligible for stun gun ownership: anyone who has been convicted of a crime and has been imprisoned for such, any fugitive from justice, drug addicts or users, mentally ill persons, illegal immigrants, those arrested for or under court order due to domestic disputes, or anyone dishonorably discharged from the military.

Other Stun Gun Regulations :

Are stun guns legal based upon the same set of law? There are various laws that govern the use of stun guns, although each local jurisdiction presides over the specific regulations.

Laws regarding the ownership and use of stun guns vary from one jurisdiction to another, but the following rules tend to appear frequently across many areas:

-> In some areas, stun guns may not be concealed in a vehicle

-> Stun guns may not be allowed in public buildings

-> Stun guns are never permitted in the sterile area of an airport

-> Stun guns cannot be used in the commission of a crime

-> Stun guns cannot be carried on school grounds (some states allow with a permit)

Some states prohibit the stun gun from being concealed while carried on the person, and some states only allow a stun gun to be concealed inside the home or inside a business.

Stun guns cannot be used against any law enforcement officer without incurring heavy penalties, and a few states require a firearms license in order to possess a stun gun.

In addition to the question, “are stun guns legal,” it is important to ask yourself if stun guns are right for your safety. Carrying a stun gun is an excellent way to provide for your own protection, but it also comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. Use it only in an approved manner, and take care to safeguard your stun gun so it does not get lost or stolen. Many times, a stolen stun gun becomes a weapon to facilitate other crimes such as robberies. If you have a stun gun registered to you, do not allow it to inadvertently slip into the hands of criminals. If it should get stolen or lost, be sure to report it immediately to your local authorities.

John Audlee is the president of Security Protectors, LLC. and a wholesaler distributer of Personal Safety and Surveillance products. John has been teaching people how to defend themselves for years. Let him show you how to protect everything you value.