Tasers: Legal Ownership, Use, and Limits

Tasers, also known as conducted energy weapons (CEWs), are electroshock devices designed to temporarily incapacitate a person by disrupting voluntary muscle control. While widely associated with law enforcement, civilian versions are available in many places. However, ownership and use are governed by strict legal frameworks that vary significantly between countries. Understanding who can own a taser, where they are legal, and when their use is justified is essential for anyone considering one for self-defense.

What Is a Civilian Taser?

A taser differs from a basic stun gun. Traditional stun guns require direct contact with the target, while tasers can fire small probes connected by wires, delivering an electrical pulse from a short distance—typically 10 to 25 feet, depending on the model. Civilian tasers are designed for defensive purposes and often include safety features such as serial number tracking, built-in flashlights, and automatic alerts to emergency contacts.

Who Can Own a Taser?

In general, civilian ownership depends on local law, age, and criminal history. In many U.S. states, adults 18 or older who are not prohibited from possessing weapons (such as convicted felons in many jurisdictions) can legally purchase and own a taser. Some states or cities impose additional restrictions, such as background checks or shipping limitations.

In other countries, civilian ownership is far more restricted or completely prohibited. Tasers are often classified similarly to firearms or prohibited weapons due to their potential misuse.

Are Tasers Legal?

United States

Tasers are legal for civilian ownership in most states. They are generally considered legal self-defense tools, although some states and municipalities regulate their sale, possession, or carry. For example, certain areas may restrict possession by minors or individuals with criminal convictions. Tasers are typically legal to carry openly or concealed, but local laws vary.

• In Rhode Island it is illegal to own a civilian taser. Stun guns are banned for civilian use.

• Hawaii: Legal since 2022, but requires the user to be 21 years old and prohibits use against law enforcement. Stun guns are banned for civilian use.

• Connecticut: Legal for home use only; not allowed in public or on school grounds.

• Illinois: For tasers and stun guns, requires a FOID card and background check; use restricted to premises, business, or by invitation.

• Maryland: Requires a background check for purchase of tasers or stun guns.

• Massachusetts: Legal with a resident firearms license; requires submission of ID, license, and safety course certificate.

• Michigan: Legal only with a Concealed Pistol License (CPL); must complete a training course.

• New York: Legal after a 2019 court ruling, but subject to local county laws; no license required, but must be for self-defense and prohibited for felons.   Stun guns are banned for civilian use.

• Delaware, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New Mexico: Require a permit for concealed carry.

• Arizona and Minnesota: Prohibit sales to anyone under 19. Minnesota requires a background check for purchase of a stun gun.

States with no restrictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Canada

Tasers are illegal for civilian ownership. Under Canadian law, tasers are classified as prohibited weapons. Only law enforcement officers and certain authorized personnel may legally possess them. Civilian possession can result in criminal charges.

Stun guns are illegal to own in all provinces and territories across Canada under Section 84(1) of the Canadian Criminal Code.

Mexico

Taser legality in Mexico is restricted and varies by jurisdiction. Civilian ownership is generally heavily regulated and often prohibited. Mexican federal law strictly controls weapons, and electroshock weapons may be treated similarly to restricted defensive devices. In practice, civilian possession can lead to legal consequences unless specifically authorized. Puebla has taken steps to legalize small self-defense devices, including tasers, under specific voltage and size limits.

Stun guns are generally illegal to possess or carry in Mexico for civilians, including tourists and residents.

United Kingdom

Tasers are illegal for civilian ownership. Under UK law, tasers are classified as prohibited firearms. Only specially trained police officers may carry them. Civilian possession can result in serious criminal charges, including imprisonment. Stun guns are illegal to own in the United Kingdom under the Firearms Act 1968.

When Can You Legally Use a Taser?

Even where tasers are legal to own, their use is strictly limited to lawful self-defense.

In general, a taser can only be used when a person reasonably believes they are facing an immediate threat of physical harm. The key legal standard is proportionality and necessity. The threat must be real and imminent—not hypothetical or minor.

For example, lawful use may include situations such as:

• Preventing an active physical assault

• Defending against an attacker attempting to cause bodily harm

• Protecting oneself from an immediate violent threat

Unlawful use includes:

• Using a taser to threaten, intimidate, or punish someone

• Using it in a verbal argument without physical threat

• Using it after a threat has ended

• Using it offensively rather than defensively

There is a reason why Shocker (from Spider-Man) is a bad guy.

Misuse can result in criminal charges, including assault with a weapon.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Owning a taser carries serious responsibility. Users must understand local laws, proper handling, and the legal standards for self-defense. In many jurisdictions, self-defense laws require that force be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

Tasers can be effective defensive tools, but they are not substitutes for awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation. Legal ownership does not grant unlimited authority to use force. Responsible ownership means knowing not only how a taser works, but when its use is legally justified.

Anyone considering purchasing a taser should review their local and national laws carefully and prioritize safety, legality, and responsible use.

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