Are Taser Guns Legal in NJ?

Are taser guns legal in NJ? Yes — but with limits. For decades, New Jersey banned civilians from owning stun guns under its weapons statute. That changed after a federal court decision in 2017, which struck down the outright ban as unconstitutional. Since then, tasers and stun guns have been legal to buy and own in the state, but only under specific conditions.

Today, if you’re over 18 and not otherwise prohibited, you can own a taser in New Jersey. But there are still rules on where and how you can carry or use it. Understanding the current law is important for anyone considering a taser for personal protection. Let’s break down the history, restrictions, and safe practices.

Historical Ban & Legal Shift

For years, New Jersey law treated stun guns as prohibited weapons. The statute N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(h) made it a criminal offense to possess or use one, except for police or military purposes. That meant civilians couldn’t legally buy or carry a taser, even for self-defense.

Things changed in 2016 when a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Caetano v. Massachusetts) questioned outright bans on electroshock weapons. Shortly after, New Jersey faced its own legal challenge. In 2017, the U.S. District Court ruled the state’s ban violated the Second Amendment. The Attorney General then agreed to stop enforcing the ban and recognized that residents have a constitutional right to own tasers and stun guns.

This was a major turning point. Overnight, thousands of New Jersey residents who wanted non-lethal self-defense options gained access to a tool that had been completely off-limits for decades. Still, the shift came with clear guidelines and limits. The ban’s repeal didn’t mean tasers became a free-for-all — it meant they were reclassified under weapons law, with conditions for age, background, and use.

Current Legal Status in New Jersey

So, are taser guns legal in NJ today? Yes. Civilian possession is allowed, but under rules designed to keep the devices out of dangerous hands.

New Jersey’s position is straightforward: if you’re 18 years or older, have no disqualifying criminal record, and aren’t subject to certain court orders, you can legally purchase and own a stun gun or taser. Unlike firearms, you don’t need a permit, license, or registration to buy one. That makes tasers a more accessible option for people looking for non-lethal protection.

That said, there are limits. State law still classifies tasers as weapons, which means misuse can lead to serious charges. Owning one is legal, but using it irresponsibly — like in an assault or outside of a legitimate self-defense situation — can quickly turn a lawful possession into a criminal offense.

Retailers in New Jersey are allowed to sell tasers and stun guns, and online purchases are also possible, though some companies apply extra checks before shipping. Police officers can also carry tasers, though their use is governed by separate agency guidelines.

In short: tasers are legal in New Jersey, but the law balances personal rights with public safety. Knowing the boundaries is key if you’re thinking about buying one.

Age, Criminal History & Who Is Barred

Even though tasers are legal in New Jersey, not everyone qualifies to own one. The law sets out clear restrictions to prevent misuse.

First, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase or carry a taser. Minors are strictly prohibited, even with parental consent. This aligns with how New Jersey regulates most weapons.

Second, certain people are permanently barred. If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you cannot legally possess a stun gun or taser in NJ. The same goes if you are under a restraining order, have a history of domestic violence, or are otherwise prohibited from owning weapons.

These restrictions are enforced in much the same way as firearm laws. While there isn’t a permit process for tasers, law enforcement can and does apply these rules during investigations. Being caught with a taser when you’re legally barred can lead to criminal charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon.

The takeaway is simple: tasers are legal in New Jersey, but they are not for everyone. If you fall under any of the prohibited categories, possessing one could carry severe consequences.

Where You Can (and Can’t) Carry or Use

Owning a taser in New Jersey doesn’t mean you can carry it everywhere. There are important restrictions on location and use.

You cannot legally bring a taser into schools, government buildings, airports, or any area where weapons are restricted by law. Carrying a stun gun in such places could be treated the same as carrying a prohibited firearm. Public transportation hubs may also have specific restrictions, so it’s smart to check local policies before carrying.

In most other public areas, carrying a taser for self-defense is legal, but discretion is key. Waving it around or displaying it in a threatening way can lead to charges like disorderly conduct or unlawful possession.

At home, you’re free to keep a taser for personal defense, as long as you meet the eligibility rules. Transporting it should be done safely — ideally in a case or bag rather than on open display.

Remember: just because tasers are legal in New Jersey doesn’t mean every location allows them. If you’re unsure whether you can carry one in a specific place, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Using a Taser / Stun Gun for Self-Defense Under NJ Law

Self-defense is the main reason most people consider buying a taser. But in New Jersey, how and when you use one is just as important as whether you legally own it.

Under NJ law, you’re allowed to use reasonable force to protect yourself if you believe you’re in immediate danger. Tasers fall into the category of non-lethal force, but that doesn’t give you a blank check. The law requires that your response be proportional. That means using a taser is only justified if the threat is serious enough to warrant it.

For example, using a taser against someone who shoved you in a minor argument could be considered assault. But using one when you’re being physically attacked, cornered, or threatened with violence may qualify as legitimate self-defense.

New Jersey courts look closely at intent and circumstances. Was the taser used to stop a real threat? Or was it used aggressively in a situation that didn’t justify force? The answers determine whether your actions are protected under self-defense statutes.

Bottom line: tasers are legal in New Jersey, and they can be powerful tools for self-defense. But they must be used responsibly, within the limits of state law.

Penalties for Misuse or Illegal Possession

Even though tasers are legal in NJ, breaking the rules can carry serious penalties.

If you’re barred from owning weapons due to a felony, restraining order, or other disqualification, being caught with a taser can lead to criminal charges. Convictions may include fines, probation, or even jail time.

Misusing a taser is just as serious. If you use one in an assault, robbery, or other crime, prosecutors can add weapons charges on top of the underlying offense. That often results in harsher penalties. Even threatening someone with a taser outside of a valid self-defense situation can be prosecuted as a criminal act.

New Jersey treats weapons offenses strictly. While tasers are legal for most adults, the law expects owners to act responsibly. Using a stun gun recklessly could end up leaving you with a criminal record instead of the protection you hoped for.

Tips & Best Practices for NJ Residents

If you’re considering buying a taser in New Jersey, a few best practices can help you stay within the law and use it effectively.

• Buy from a reputable source. Choose a seller who follows state guidelines and verifies your age.

• Know where you can’t carry it. Schools, courthouses, and airports are off-limits.

• Store responsibly. Keep it secure at home, especially away from children.

• Understand self-defense law. A taser is legal in NJ, but only justified in certain situations.

• Practice safe use. Learn how to handle it properly so you don’t injure yourself or others by accident.

Following these simple steps makes ownership safer and reduces the chance of running into legal problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are taser guns legal in NJ for civilians?
Yes. Adults 18 and older can own and carry tasers, provided they aren’t otherwise barred by criminal history or restraining orders.

Can a person with a felony conviction own a taser in NJ?
No. Felony convictions disqualify you from owning any weapon, including tasers and stun guns.

Is a permit needed to carry a stun gun in New Jersey?
No permit is required. Tasers are legal in NJ without licensing, unlike firearms.

Can I carry a taser into a school or government building in NJ?
No. Tasers are prohibited in schools, courthouses, airports, and similar secure areas.

What happens if I misuse a stun gun in New Jersey?
Misusing a taser — like using it in an assault or outside of self-defense — can result in criminal charges, fines, and potential jail time.