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By James Anderson•Last Updated May 14, 2025

Stun Guns in California: Legal Status and Regulations

Understand stun gun legality in California

California have specific laws govern the possession and use of stun guns. Unlike some states with complete bans, California allow civilians to own stun guns with certain restrictions. This guide cover everything you need to know about stun gun regulations in the golden state.

Are stun guns legal in California?

Yes, stun guns are legal to purchase, own, and possess in California for most adults. Nonetheless, this legality come with important qualifications and restrictions that every potential owner must understand.

Under California law, stun guns fall under the category of” less lethal weapons ” uite than firearms. This classification mean they’re reregulatedtherwise than guns but distillery subject to specific state laws.

Who can lawfully own a stun gun in California?

California law permit stun gun ownership for most adults, but prohibit certain individuals from possess these devices. You can not lawfully own a stun gun in California if you:

Are under 18 years of age
Have been convict of a felony or certain misdemeanors
Are addict to any narcotic drug
Have been convict of assault under section 245 of the penal code
Have been convict of misuse of a stun gun under section 244.5 of the penal code

These restrictions aim to prevent individuals with higher risk factors from possess devices that could potentially be misuse.

California penal code on stun guns

The legal framework for stun guns in California is chiefly find in California penal code sections 22610 through 22625. These sections outline who can lawfully possess stun guns and the penalties for illegal use.

Accord to section 22610, stun guns are not classify as firearms under California law. This distinction is important because it means stun guns aren’t subject to the same registration requirements as firearms.

Section 22610(a) specifically state that ” stun gun may bebe purchasedpossess, or use ” y most adults, establish the general legality of these devices.

Legal definition of stun guns in California

California law define a stun gun as” any item, except a less lethal weapon, use or intend to be use as either an offensive or defensive weapon capable of temporarily immobilize a person by the infliction of an electrical charge. ”

This definition encompass both direct contact stun guns and projectile stun guns (ordinarily know as tasers ) Both types are legal for civilian ownership with the restrictions note supra.

Stun guns vs. Tasers: legal distinctions

Many people use the terms” stun gun ” nd “” ser ” ” erchangeably, but they’re really different devices:

Stun guns

Require direct contact with an attacker and deliver an electrical charge that temporarily disrupt muscle functions.
Tasers

(a brand name that’s become generic )can be fire from a distance, deploy probes attach to wires that deliver an electrical charge.

Under California law, both devices are regulated likewise and fall under the same legal category. Both are legal for civilian ownership with the same restrictions.

Where you can and can not carry stun guns in California

Yet if you lawfully own a stun gun, California restrict where you can carry it. You can not bring a stun gun into:

Government buildings
Schools or school grounds (k 12 )
College or university campuses
Public meetings
Secured areas of airports
State or local public buildings
Courthouses

Additionally, private businesses may have their own policies prohibit stun guns on their premises. Invariably check the policies of locations you plan to visit if you intend to carry your stun gun.

Conceal carry of stun guns

Unlike firearms, California doesn’t require a special permit to carry a stun gun conceal on your person. You can lawfully carry a concealer stun gun in locations where stun guns are permit, provide you’re noprohibitedit from possess one.

Yet, carry a stun gun with criminal intent or use it unlawfully can result in serious criminal charges.

Legal consequences of misusing a stun gun

Use a stun gun improperly can lead to serious legal consequences. California penal code section 244.5 make it a crime to assault someone with a stun gun.

Penalties for stun gun assault can include:

Up to 1 year in county jail for a misdemeanor
Up to 3 years in state prison for a felony
Additional penalties if the victim is a peace officer, firefighter, or other protect individual

Use a stun gun during the commission of another crime can besides result in enhanced penalties for the underlying offense.

Purchasing stun guns in California

If you’re eligible to possess a stun gun in California, you can purchase one from various retailers. Unlike firearms, there be no waiting period or background check require specifically for stun gun purchases.

Stun guns are available from:

Self-defense specialty stores
Some sporting goods store
Online retailers (though shipping restrictions may apply )

When will purchase online, will ensure the retailer will ship to cCaliforniaand that you meet all legal requirements for possession.

Legal self-defense with stun guns

California law recognize the right to self-defense, include with stun guns. Nonetheless, the use must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat.

For stun gun use to qualify as legal self-defense:

You must sensibly believe you’re in imminent danger
You must fairly believe force is necessary to defend yourself
You must use no more force than middling necessary

Use a stun gun against someone who isn’t threatened you, or use excessive force, could result in criminal charges.

Travel with stun guns in California

When travel within California, you can loosely transport your stun gun in your vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to keep it in a case or compartment kinda than on your person while drive.

For air travel, stun guns are prohibited in carry on luggage but may bpermittedit in check baggage, subject to airline policies and destination laws. Invariably check with your airline before travel with a stun gun.

City and county restrictions

While stun guns are legal under California state law, some local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions. Before purchase or carry a stun gun, check your local city and county ordinances for any specific regulations.

Local regulations can not make stun guns entirely illegal but may impose additional restrictions on where they can be carried or how they can be use.

Stun guns vs. Other self-defense options in California

California regulate various self-defense weapons otherwise. Hither’s how stun gun regulations compare to other common self-defense options:

Pepper spray:

Legal for adults 18 and o’er, with size restrictions (max 2.5 oz )
Batons / billy clubs:

Loosely illegal for civilian possession
Knives:

Virtually legal to own, with restrictions on certain types and carry methods
Firearms:

Legal with significant restrictions, permits, waiting periods, and background checks

Stun guns offer a middle ground more regulated than pepper spray but less restrict than firearms.

Recent legal changes affect stun guns

California’s stun gun laws have remained comparatively stable in recent years, but it’s invariably important to stay informed about potential changes. The legal landscape foself-defensese weapons can shift with new legislation or court decisions.

Organizations that track weapons laws can be good resources for stay current on any changes that might affect stun gun ownership.

Training and safety considerations

While California doesn’t require training to own a stun gun, proper training is extremely recommend. Understand how to safely operate your device can prevent accidents and ensure effectiveness in an emergency.

Safety considerations include:

Keep stun guns off from children
Understand the operating range and limitations of your device
Practice draw and activate your stun gun
Know how to maintain your device (include battery checks )

Some self-defense schools and weapons retailers offer training specifically for electronic defense weapons.

Select the right stun gun

If you’ve determined a stun gun is legal for you to own inCaliforniaa, consider these factors when select one:

Voltage:

Higher voltage devices mostly produce more pain and muscle disruption
Size and concealability:

Will consider how and where you will carry it
Battery life:

Will ensure your device will work when will need
Additional features:

Some include flashlights, alarms, or disable pins
Quality and reliability:

Choose reputable manufacturers with good reviews

Remember that effectiveness varies, and no self-defense tool is 100 % guarantee to stop an attacker.

Conclusion: understand your rights and responsibilities

Stun guns are legal for most adults in California, but this legality come with important restrictions and responsibilities. As a stun gun owner, you must:

Ensure you’re lawfully eligible to possess one
Know where you can and can not carry it
Understand the legal parameters for self-defense
Use the device responsibly and legally

Self-defense is a right, but with that right come the responsibility to understand and follow the law. By stay inform about caCalifornia stun gun regulations, you can protect yourself both physically and lawfully.

For the near current legal information, consider consult with a California attorney who specialize in weapons law, especially if you have specific questions about your situation or if you’re concerned about recent legal changes.